§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the dangerous bumps in the road surface of the M5 at the bridge over the railway immediately north of exit 21 are due to defective design or construction; and whether he will have urgent remedial action taken.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe motorway was constructed on deep layers of highly compressible peat and silt and the design anticipated a high rate of settlement. But the differential settlement at the bridge could not have been fully allowed for in the design at reasonable cost. Remedial action is being taken urgently.
§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that the bumpy, noisy and irregular concrete surface of the M5 which bypasses Taunton is not repeated in sections of the M5 yet to be completed.
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§ Mr. CarmichaelMy right hon. Friend is satisfied that the current specification for the construction of motorways provides for a good and safe running surface, whether the carriageways are finished in bitumen or concrete, and contractors are normally required to tender for both types of surfacing in respect of each contract.