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Bridge falls?
Page 20
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AS THE Severn Bridge was reduced this week to two single carriageways, rumours were flying about the extent to which it requires repair.
Two lanes of the 12-year-old bridge have been closed for the rest of this year to allow engineers to replace expansion joints which have worn out ahead of the expected time.
While the Department of Transport insists that the joints are suffering only from normal wear and tear, the communities on either side of the bridge are expressing concern about the possibility of the bridge being more seriously damaged.
Transport Minister William Rodgers said last week: "Suggestions that the bridge is falling down are nonsense."
Local Freight Transport Association officials have demanded that the DTp gives a full statement on whether or not the bridge is to be closed for repairs and on the exact condition of the bridge.