Forth Road Bridge

Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 15 November 1960.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Woodburn Mr Arthur Woodburn , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire 12:00, 15 November 1960

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made to ensure maximum visibility in all weather conditions for road users on the new Forth Road Bridge and its approaches.

Photo of Mr Richard Brooman-White Mr Richard Brooman-White , Rutherglen

A wide range of methods will be used which have been proved effective elsewhere. They will include lighting on the bridge itself and white lines, reflecting studs, reflectorised traffic signs and light coloured kerbing on the approach roads.

Photo of Mr Arthur Woodburn Mr Arthur Woodburn , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire

Is the Minister asking the Minister of Transport the result of his experiments in illuminated and other forms of kerbs? Will he make sure that this road is at least safe in all kinds of weather, both in respect to the approaches and also to the actual crossing of the bridge?

Photo of Mr Richard Brooman-White Mr Richard Brooman-White , Rutherglen

As the right hon. Gentleman knows from his previous Question on the matter, tests are going on with these kerbs, but I cannot give any indication of the final outcome of these tests.

Photo of Mr Evelyn Strachey Mr Evelyn Strachey , Dundee West

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what some of us are more concerned with is that the Tay Road Bridge will be visible at all.

Photo of Mr Arthur Woodburn Mr Arthur Woodburn , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Forth Road Bridge is proceeding according to schedule; and when he expects it to be finished.

Photo of Mr Richard Brooman-White Mr Richard Brooman-White , Rutherglen

I understand that work on the Forth Road Bridge is proceeding on schedule. The contract for the main structure is due to be completed at the end of 1963, and there is at present no reason to believe that this date will not be met. The contracts for the approach roads and viaducts are being phased to meet this date.

Photo of Mr Arthur Woodburn Mr Arthur Woodburn , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire

Is it true that tenders have been let on old-fashioned specifications for the approaches to the bridge, and that the Minister now has no room to manoeuvre?

Photo of Mr Richard Brooman-White Mr Richard Brooman-White , Rutherglen

I am not aware of that fact, but I will certainly look into the matter.