§ 2.46 p.m.
§ LORD COTTESLOEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect the bridge on the M.5 motorway over the River Avon will be completed.
834§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)My Lords, many technical and other difficulties have delayed work on this bridge, but my right honourable friend the Minister for Transport Industries is closely in touch with the situation. Every effort is being made to expedite its completion, but I regret that I am unable at this moment to say when the bridge will be opened.
§ LORD COTTESLOEMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that a stretch of twenty-two miles of the M.5 motorway South of the River Avon was ceremonially opened on January 25, but that there are no signs to enable motorists to find it, and that it is known locally in the headlines as "The lost motorway", and that the only access to it from the North bank of the Avon appears to be by a side road labelled, "To Clifton Zoo"? May I also ask whether it is really the intention to do everything possible to deter motorists from using this new stretch of motorway for a period of, perhaps, eighteen months until the bridge is completed; and, if so, whether it might not have been better to wait until it can be brought fully into use before opening it with a flourish of trumpets?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I am glad to be able to say, in answer to that supplementary question, that interim arrangements have now been worked out with the highway authorities concerned and with the police for making the best possible use of the section of motorway which lies South of the uncompleted bridge. The details are rather complicated, and I shall have them published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ LORD COTTESLOEMy Lords, I thank my noble friend.
§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether it is a fact that the Government are making a large contribution to try to overcome the labour difficulties which have caused some of the delay on this bridge; and, if so, what is the expected effect of that contribution?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I can confirm that negotiations are proceeding between the contractor and the unions representing the men; my information is, 835 that they are being resumed to-day. In view of that fact, I am sure the noble Lord will agree that the less said in question and answer across the Floor of the House at this particular moment, the better.
§
[Following are the details referred to by the Minister]:
Southbound traffic: Alternative route for heavy vehicles from Bristol via B.3128, B.3129 and A.369 to the motorway at Portbury. The same route for light vehicles, except that these can use the more direct Portbury Lane instead of B.2129.
Northbound traffic: At Edithmead, M.5 Bristol and Midlands traffic to be signed along A.38. Traffic for Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead signed along M.5. At Portbury a reverse system to that for Southbound traffic along the local roads, except that light traffic can use A.369 to reach Bristol without turning off (there is a steep hill at Ashton Park on which weight restriction will be imposed).