§ 14. Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when work will begin on major repairs to the M1 south of Luton; what the arrangements for subsequent traffic flow will be; how long the work will take; and what is the estimated total cost.
§ Mr. MulleyWork estimated to cost not more than £2 million is expected to start in the autumn and to take between three and five months. The best arrangements for the subsequent traffic flow will be determined in the light of experience gained in the current diversions required 429 for preliminary investigation of the road structure.
§ Mr. MadelAs this section of the M1 is a vital link in the country's road network, and as diversions during the day always cause traffic chaos nearby, will the Minister ensure that the work is done at night to minimise inconvenience and avoid the traffic chaos and the jams that have already occurred in the South Bedfordshire area?
§ Mr. MulleyThat is an interesting suggestion, but it may be impracticable on technical grounds to do all the work at night. Of course, as the M1 is an extremely busy road it is desirable to complete this necessary improvement as soon as possible. We estimate the current load of the M1 at about 65,000 vehicles a day. We shall do all we can to minimise the congestion. That is why we are using the opportunity this week and next week to see what pattern of diversion may be the least disturbing.