Roads

HC Deb 04 April 1979 vol 965 cc887-8W

Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what he estimates the cost will be to make repairs on the roads of South Humberside in the current year, due to the severe weather conditions.

	£ million at 1978 survey prices
	1974–75	1975–76	1976–77	1977–78	1978–79*	1979–80
Motorway and trunk roads—
New construction and improvement	482	467	377	253	256	292
Maintenance	62	72	72	68	80	83
Local authority roads—
New construction and improvement	363	379	362	234	255	257
Maintenance	489	477	441	426	429	434
* Estimated.

It is too early to assess the effect on expenditure of the severe weather this winter.

Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total capital expenditure on roads in the Trafford district of Manchester in the financial year 1978–79; and what was the equivalent figure in the year 1973–74 updated to current prices.

Mr. Horam

I regret that information on capital expenditure on roads in district areas is not available.

Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total capital expenditure on roads in the North-West of England and the percentage of national expenditure on roads which this figure represented in the financial year 1978–79; and what were the equivalent figures for the year 1973–74 updated to current prices.

Mr. Horam

I regret that information on capital expenditure on roads in the North-West of England is not yet available for 1978–79. I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Horam

This is a matter for the local highway authority, in this case the Humberside county council, which is currently assessing the extent of the damage and the cost of remedial works.

Mr. John H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the expenditure by the Government and local authorities on new road construction, and maintenance, respectively, in each of the past five years; what is the estimated expenditure for the current year; and if this budgeted expenditure on maintenance is expected to cover the damage that has been incurred.

Mr. Horam

Expenditure in England in each of the past five years and the provision for 1979–80, as as follows:

Mr. Goodlad

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the current repair and construction of motorways and trunk roads programme in Cheshire.

Mr. Horam

The main elements in the motorway and trunk road repair and construction programme are:

Motorway Repairs

• M6—Reconstruction and resurfacing Junctions 21 to 25—Preparatory work in hand. Main contract starting in Autumn.
• M6—Painting of Thelwell Viaduct—Starting May.
• M62—Reconstruction of slow lane and hard shoulder for 1,700 metres east of M6 junction—Starting Spring.

Trunk Repairs

• A556 Waterproofing Hartford Bridge, Northwich—Starting end of May.

Motorway Construction

• M56—Hapsford to Lea-by-Backford—Work in hand. Completion in Autumn 1980.

There will also be additional minor works.