Windshields on Darfford Bridge
Page 10
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
II The Government hopes to reach a compromise with objectors over the design of the proposed privately-built Dartford Bridge. Ministers are expected to announce their agreement to the idea of partially windshielding the bridge soon, but they have rejected a demand made last year by the cross-party Transport Select Committee that the bridge should be totally windshielded.
One of the Government's main objections to total windshielding is that it could add up to £15 million to the cost of the bridge and could delay construction by up to 18 months. Ministers hope that their compromise proposal will satisfy the main objections from affected local authorities. The Government is also objecting on the grounds that total windshielding is unnecessary, given that high winds are unlikely to close the bridge for more than 24 hours a year.
The bridge is being built by Trafalgar House and will be the first privately-financed major road project. It is aimed at cutting delays at the Dartford Tunnel on the M25.