§ 12. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated starting date and opening date of the next section of M5 southwards from Piff's Elm, near Cheltenham.
Mr. Bob BrownIt is expected that the contract for the length from Tredington to Brookthorpe, 10 miles south of Piff's Elm, will be let in spring, 1969, for completion in early 1971.
§ Mr. RidleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that means that there will be a delay of a year when the whole of M5 disgorges at Piff's Elm and that this will cause very serious congestion in the neighbourhood? Therefore, would he do all that he can to expedite construction of this next section southwards?
Mr. BrownCertainly. The Brookthorpe to Eastington start will be in June, 1969, and the road will be open in March, 1971. The Eastington to Almondsbury start will be made in August, 1969, and the road will be open in August, 1971. Previous announcements have already been made on the opening of the Eastington stretch by December, 1970, and of the Almondsbury stretch by May, 1971.