Severn crossing study 'on target' says Mitchell
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THE I EASIBILITY study into a possible second Severn crossing is on target for completion by next August, Junior Transport Minister David Mitchell has told MPs.
But his assurance that the studies would be completed on time caused concern among MPs.
Tory back-bencher Ian Grift said there had to be an undertaking to build a second crossing before the turn of the century.
He urged the consultants to consider the Winipcy proposal for a crossing on top of a barrage.
But Mitchell insisted that the barrage was a completely separate issue and any decision on the second crossing depended on traffic forecasts.
Mitchell told Newport East Labour MP Roy Hughes that he was considering his suggestion of building a second crossing using private capital if it was decided to go ahead.
• A contract for strengthening the Severn Bridge has been awarded to the Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company of Darlington.
The work, which will take 30 weeks, is unlikely to cause any interference with traffic; lane closures will be done overnight if they prove necessary.