HC Deb 01 February 1990 vol 166 c247W
Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was collected in tolls last year on the Severn bridge.

Mr. Atkins

Tolls collected in 1988–89 amounted to £.10.1 million.

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated completion date for the current renovation and maintenance work on the Severn bridge.

Mr. Atkins

Strengthening work on the Severn crossing will be completed in March 1990. The resurfacing work is due to be completed by late 1990/early 1991. Routine maintenance work on the bridge will continue.

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what items of repair and renovation have been completed on the Severn bridge in the last 12 months.

Mr. Atkins

The last 12 months have seen the replacement of cables and the rocker bearings on the Wye bridge and completion of hanger replacement on the Severn bridge. The Wye bridge towers have been extended in height, the Severn bridge towers strengthened and pier protection works undertaken. Strengthening of the steel decks on both structures has been substantially completed.

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what work is currently under way on the Severn bridge.

Mr. Atkins

Current work includes the jacking of supports in the Severn bridge towers, the resurfacing of the entire crossing and replacement and improvement of safety barriers and expansion joints.

Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much is the accumulated debt on the Severn bridge at the latest available date;

(2) how much the debt on the Severn bridge was last year.

Mr. Atkins

The unaudited accounts show a debt to the Consolidated Fund of £113.4 million at 31 March 1989.