§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list each location on the motorway and trunk road network in England where(a) there is currently a weight restriction below the normal permitted maximum and (b) where the Highways Agency is undertaking monitoring because of concerns about the strength of a structure. [97070]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 2 November 1999]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Bernard Jenkin, dated 4 November 1999:
You recently asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for information concerning weight restrictions and monitoring of structures on the motorway and trunk road network.There are no weight restrictions currently in force on the main carriageways of motorways and major trunk roads. However, there are a small number of structures, primarily supporting slip roads and interchanges, which have some form of weight restriction pending repairs or strengthening. The numbers and restrictions can vary as repairs and strengthening takes place but I am preparing an up to date list for you.You also ask for a list of where the Highways Agency is undertaking monitoring because of concerns about the strength of a structure. Special monitoring of structures is being undertaken for a number of reasons on a number of bridges. This can vary from week to week and the details are not held centrally. I am assembling the information you request and shall write to you shortly listing those structures subject to weight restriction as well as those where special monitoring is being undertaken because of concerns about strength.