Change of direction is needed on road plans

Mar 12 2010 by Chris Knox, The Journal

THE Government is being urged to create work within the construction sector by improving the UK’s transport infrastructure, after icy roads caused big problems for businesses.

The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East believes that the closure last month of Leven Bridge in Stockton, as a result of the extreme weather, should be seen as a warning to Government of the fragility of much of the country’s critical infrastructure.

The bridge near Yarm was closed after huge cracks appeared in the road surface as a result of the icy conditions, causing problems for thousands of commuters who use the A1044 to get to the town and its schools.

ICE also said that an inspection of the 19th Century bridge was carried out as early as January, raising serious concerns about the ability of the UK’s roads to handle extreme weather in future.

However, ICE is concerned that Government cutbacks will see even less investment in the UK’s roads and bridges over the coming years.

Stephen Larkin, regional director at ICE North East, said: “The Government only seems to do anything about this problem once a bridge is knocked down or major cracks appear in our roads.

“It is clear that investment is needed to ensure that our infrastructure is more capable of handling extreme weather in the future.

“In addition, the improvements would provide much-needed work for our region’s companies, which are still battling through some pretty tough economic conditions.”