HC Deb 20 June 1988 vol 135 cc450-1W
Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how long the 5 ft wide hole in the middle of the northbound carriageway of the Barking to South Woodford relief road north of the viaduct over the Barking to Fenchurch Street railway line will take to repair; whether other structural defects have appeared; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neil Thorne

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set up an inquiry, with the results to be made public, into the circumstances of the subsidence on the northbound outside lane of the South Woodford to Barking relief road (north circular) between Barking and Ilford which occurred on or about 7 June; what action will be taken against those responsible; how much compensation will be received for the loss of use of part of the road; and when the repair work will be completed.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Repairs will be carried out as quickly as possible. The subsidence was caused by the failure of a connection between a drainage gully and the main drain for the road, some 5 ft below the central reservation. Water draining through the gully washed away material below the surface.

As this occurred during the one-year maintenance period following the road's opening, the relevant contractor is responsible for the repairs at his own expense.

A considerable amount of material has blocked the main drain. Clearing this may involve further excavations and temporary traffic restrictions.