§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the holding down bolts of the central crash barrier of the Bromford viaduct of the M6 midland links motorway were last tested; what were the results; and on what date they are due to be tested again.
§ Mr. KeyThe last tests on the holding down bolts were some limited pull-out tests in 1985. The results were generally below the level in the current specification but this was not applicable when the barrier was originally erected. The performance to date of the central reservation barriers on Bromford viaduct has been satisfactory.
We have no proposals for further tests on the holding down bolts, but the barrier, including the holding down arrangements will be replaced as part of two major maintenance contracts. These are presently programmed for 1994–95 and 1995–96 and will involve resurfacing, concrete repairs and other works on the viaduct.