HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 cc712-3W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those requirements of European legislation on axle weights which require strengthening of road bridges; and the cost of strengthening road bridges to the required standard. [12461]

Ms Glenda Jackson

When the United Kingdom's derogation from certain of the European Community weight limits in directive 96/53/EEC, previously 85/3/EEC, expires on 31 December 1998, we will allow an increase in the drive axle weight limit for vehicles on international journeys form 10.5 to 11.5 tonnes.

For the trunk road network the Highways Agency has an assessment and strengthening programme aimed at ensuring all the bridges meet or are brought up to meet modern standards. The latest estimate of the cost of this programme is £450 million and includes some additional costs for meeting the slightly higher requirements of European legislation. Figures are not available to estimate this additional cost.

Until local authorities have completed the assessment of their bridge stock, it will not be possible to determine accurately the cost of strengthening bridges on local roads to enable them also to carry the heavier 40 tonne lorries. It has, however, been made clear to local authorities that not all bridges on all roads need to carry such vehicles.

Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will investigate the possibility of using redundant North sea oil and gas drilling platforms in the construction of new road bridges. [12286]

Ms Jackson

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Highways Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Lawrie Haynes. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Bob Blizzard, dated 27 October 1997: The Minister for Transport in London has asked me to respond to your Parliamentary Question on the possibility of using redundant North Sea oil and gas drilling platforms in the construction of new bridges. Most new bridges are constructed of steel, (steel) reinforced concrete, or a combination of both. The exact type of bridge is usually dictated by cost, aesthetics, the road geometry and the loads that the bridge will have to carry. To achieve the most effective design, the shape and strength of the various components are specifically designed and it is not often that "second hand" components can be incorporated without significant cost. However, second-hand materials can often be used quite economically after they have been recycled. For example, all the steel bars produced in the UK for reinforced concrete are made from recycled scrap steel. Crushed concrete can be used again as an aggregate for concrete but generally it is not suitable for making the high strength concrete needed in bridges. Recycled concrete from drilling platforms is also likely to be contaminated with salt which will cause the steel reinforcement to corrode unless special measures are taken. It is therefore difficult to see how steel or concrete from redundant North Sea oil and gas drilling platforms could be used economically, directly in new bridges. However, salvaged steel from North Sea platforms has already been used in temporary works and we are continuing to carry out research into finding more ways of using recycled materials including concrete.