Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rail Bridge Upgrades

Thursday 22 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Local authorities have benefited from a 1.7 billion transport infrastructure investment fund and a 12 billion local growth fund for bridge repairs and improvements.
  • The Minister encourages engagement with HS2's arrival as an opportunity for a comprehensive transport infrastructure review.
  • Local partners should agree on priority projects that align with growth goals for discussion in meetings proposed by the MP.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about the cost of upgrading rail bridges to tackle congestion in his constituency. Railways cross through Bexhill and Battle with old and narrow bridges causing significant traffic issues.

Question

What steps are being taken by the Department to support local communities in meeting the cost of upgrades to rail bridges to address congestion?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Local authorities have benefited from this year's £1.7 billion transport infrastructure investment fund and the £12 billion local growth fund, which support repairs and improvements to bridges. Future funding will depend on the upcoming spending review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific process for securing capital expenditure not addressed; only general funds mentioned without guidance on applying for specific projects.

How: Future Funding Subject To Spending Review

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Q2 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Transport
Context

The MP highlights the challenges of upgrading old and narrow railway bridges that create significant congestion in historic railway towns like Crewe. Replacing such infrastructure requires substantial capital expenditure outside routine maintenance budgets.

Question

Crewe is proud of its heritage but criss-crossed by railways with very old bridges causing massive traffic jams. The cost of replacing them is beyond ordinary maintenance and repair. Can the Minister explain the process for getting support for major capital projects such as replacing Earle Street bridge, and agree to meet me to discuss?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Recalling his visit to Crewe, the Minister encourages engagement with HS2's arrival as an opportunity for comprehensive transport infrastructure review. Local partners should agree priority projects that align with growth goals, which can be discussed in meetings proposed by the MP.

Not addressed: Process for securing capital expenditure not addressed; only encouragement to engage local partners mentioned without specifics on how to secure funding.

How: Encouragement To Engage With Hs2, No Specific Process Outlined

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