HC Deb 04 November 1959 vol 612 cc1017-8
18. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Transport how far work on the Hanger Lane flyover on Western Avenue is up to schedule; and when he expects it to be completed.

Mr. Hay

Work on this scheme is, I am afraid, somewhat behind schedule, but I hope that the underpass will be open to traffic by the summer of next year.

Mr. Hall

As the work on this road is causing very considerable inconvenience to those who have the misfortune to use it frequently, as I do myself, may we see a little more energy used? My experience is that the work seems to be proceeding in a very leisurely fashion.

Mr. Hay

I am very well aware of this particular project because, like my hon. Friend, I use the road frequently on my way to my constituency. We have had some troubles with the contractors which, I am afraid, have caused a certain amount of delay, added to by the fact that, as the House knows, this is an extremely busy junction. One of the problems in a case like this is to ensure that the contractor can get access to the whole of the site when he wants it. Where large numbers of motor cars and lorries use the junction at the same time as the contractor is trying to carry out the work, there are liable to be delays of this kind.