1 Introduction
1. We launched this inquiry in June 2014. We sought
to answer the following questions:
· How well does local and national government
work together to plan and deliver river crossing projects?
· What knowledge, resources and experience
does the public sector need to deliver large, strategically significant
river crossing projects?
· What other government priorities, such
as new house building, urban regeneration and new business opportunities,
can be delivered through additional strategic river crossings?
· Do existing cost-benefit analysis methods
adequately capture any potential transformative effects of new
river crossings?
· What are the best methods for financing
additional river crossings?
· How can the public sector attract greater
investment from the private sector for the delivery and maintenance
of river crossings?
· Should strategic river crossings be tolled?
How should tolling be implemented? How can technology be used
to improve strategic river crossings for road users (e.g. better
management of traffic flows)?
To answer those questions we held three evidence
sessions during which we examined four river crossings as case
studies, each at a different stage of development. We also received
some 35 pieces of written evidence. To everyone who helped us
with this inquiry, we express our thanks.
2. In our first evidence session we heard evidence
on a package of new river crossings being considered in east London.
At the same time we looked at a separate scheme to build a new
bridge or tunnel to supplement the Dartford Crossing in the Lower
Thames area. There was a broad consensus that new river crossings
in those locations are needed. Despite that consensus, the precise
location of new crossings has proved controversial. Regional and
national transport priorities have clashed with local concerns
over the impact that major new crossings will have on communities.
Supporters of the crossings believe that they will increase economic
development and population growth and that without new crossings,
congestion will continue to rise. Critics of the proposals believe
the increased road capacity will only serve to increase congestion
and air pollution.
3. We then examined the Mersey Gateway Project, which
has started its construction stage. The Project is a major scheme
to build a six-lane toll bridge over the river Mersey. The bridge
will supplement the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge located approximately
1.5 km (0.93 mi) to the east. Construction began on 7 May 2014,
with the bridge due to be finished by 2017.
4. Finally, we examined the two vehicular Tyne Tunnels,
the second of which was completed in 2011. The Tunnels connect
the town of Jarrow on the south bank of the river with Wallsend
on the north side. The original tunnel suffered from congestion,
especially in peak times. It was felt that this congestion was
limiting economic development. The project itself was initiated
in 1998 and became fully operational on 21 November 2011.
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