As part of the work to address corrosion in the main suspension cables of the Severn Bridge, an initial phase dehumidification systems has successfully been installed on the centre spans of the main cable.

Final commissioning took place on 11 February 2008 and the system has been operational since then.

The system, which is part of the Highway Agency's £20 million project to preserve the future of the bridge, is the first operational main cable dehumidification system to be implemented on a major suspension bridge in the UK.

It works by blowing dry air into the cable to reduce humidity, dry out the wires inside and slow down the rate of corrosion.

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Work to install the full system to the rest of the main cables has begun and should be completed by the beginning of 2009.

Monitoring will continue and further detailed cable inspections are planned for 2010.

Later this year, a longer-term strategy for the bridge will have been considered, including other potential traffic management measures and repair options with cost ranges.

Highways Agency Project Manager, Chris Pope, said: "A programme of cable inspections was carried out on the bridge between April 2006 and January 2007 after corrosion was found in the cables of similar bridges in other parts of the world.

"As a result, we now have a programme of works to install the dehumidification system to the entire length of the main cables. In addition, to keep track of the rate and location of any further deterioration, and acoustic monitoring system has been installed on the main cables."

"Safety remains our top priority and we can reassure the public that the Severn Bridge continues to operate safely. It provides a key transportation link supporting the local economies of England and Wales and we recognise the importance of keeping this route safe and open to traffic."

(JM)