The Earl of Haddingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans the Health and Safety Executive has in conjunction with Railtrack to undertake test borings into the structure and stability of the Severn rail tunnel walls, the strata and the detritus behind the walls; and [HL1411]
What plans they have to close the Severn rail tunnel until a full examination has been undertaken into the structure and stability of the Severn rail tunnel to safeguard rail operators' passengers; and [HL1412]
Why the request of the tunnel engineering staff for test borings into:
- (a) the wall linings, and
- (b) the strata and detritus behind the walls.
- which was put to British Rail Board members in 1985 to determine the structure and stability of the Severn rail tunnel using equipment and personnel from Oakdale Colliery was never undertaken; and [HL1413]
Whether they have any reservations about the state of the Severn rail tunnel and in particular with:
- (a) the integrity of the walls and linings; and
- (b) the condition of the strata and the relevance of the detritus behind the walls; and whether they have reached any conclusions on the results of any test borings. [HL1414]
§ Lord WhittyThe maintenance of the Severn rail tunnel is the responsibility of Railtrack. They tell me that the tunnel is inspected regularly, currently every weekend; that more detailed surveys are carried out quarterly and that a more thorough review is carried out annually. Railtrack say that these surveys have not revealed any cause for concern about the structure of the tunnel or its wall linings. For its part, the Health and Safety Executive is not aware of any evidence to suggest that the structural integrity of the Severn rail tunnel is in doubt.
The Earl of Haddingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the estimated increase in time for rail passenger traffic to traverse the Severn Estuary upon closure of the Severn rail tunnel; and what speed restriction will be imposed on intercity passenger traffic diverted via the Stroud line. [HL1410]
96WA
§ Lord WhittyClosure of the tunnel and subsequent alterations to passenger services that would normally use the tunnel are operational matters for Railtrack and the relevant train operating companies. I understand that Railtrack estimate that trains diverted via Gloucester will take between approximately 20 minutes and an hour longer, depending on the journey. There will be no additional speed limit on the Stroud line beyond its normal speed limit of between 70 and 90 mph.