Context
National Highways estimates the cost to repair the M48 Severn bridge at up to £600 million due to deterioration of its supporting cables. Restrictions on weight limits imposed by the bridge are impacting local businesses and farmers.
Question
The weight limit imposed on the M48 Severn bridge due to the deterioration of its supporting cables is having a big impact on local businesses and farmers who work on both sides of the Severn. National Highways estimates that it would cost up to £600 million to repair the bridge, with restrictions only postponing the inevitable. Will the Chancellor meet me to discuss the impacts and commit to providing the funding to get the bridge repaired and reopened for everyone as soon as possible?
Answer from James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
As was set out in the 10-year infrastructure strategy, £24 billion of capital funding between 2026-27 and 2029-30 has been allocated to National Highways, which is the organisation responsible for maintaining the M48 Severn bridge. The funding includes £1 billion to enhance local road networks and create a new structures fund, which will be used to repair a range of key local structures, such as bridges, flyovers and tunnels.
Not addressed: Did not commit specifically to providing the exact funding amount requested for repairing the M48 Severn bridge.
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