Written - Effects Of The Recent Flooding Of Bridges And Trunk Roads In Wales

The operation, management, maintenance and improvement of the trunk road and motorway network in Wales are carried out on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government by three Trunk Road Agencies. These Agencies are required to carry out regular inspections of the Trunk road infrastructure within their areas. With regard to structures, inspections comprise General Inspections (carried out at maximum intervals of two years) and Principal Inspections (maximum six year intervals). During periods of heavy rainfall, additional highway inspections/patrols are carried out and any obvious problem areas are inspected and appropriate action taken. Close liaison with the Environment Agency is normal during these situations. In exceptional circumstances, flood levels may trigger a Special Inspection to identify whether flood waters have affected the foundations of a bridge. There have been no recent conditions that would have triggered Special Inspections.