§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the A40 through Cheltenham to be detrunked; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe time scale for the detrunking of the A40 in Cheltenham is dependent on the Department's proposals to provide a southerly alternative trunk road route. This consists of Brockworth bypass on the A417, including a new junction with the M5, together with any improvements that may be required to bring the A436 from Shipton Solers to Air Balloon up to a trunk road standard.
Given a favourable outcome from the recent public inquiry, and subject to the continuing availability of funds, the construction of Brockworth bypass might be completed by the mid-1990s. A feasibility study into the improvements necessary on the A436 route will be undertaken shortly. A decision on detrunking the A40 in Cheltenham will be made in the light of that.