§ Mr. SnapeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the occasions on which lane closures have taken place at junction 8 (Ray Hall) of the M6 motorway and associated link roads since the M5-M6 link was completed; what was the reason for the closures and the subsequent work carried out; what were the dates and length of time of the closures; what is the total estimated cost to public funds of the works carried out at this junction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleIt is not possible to list all the lane closures which have taken place on these sections of the midland links motorways since they opened to traffic in 1970. In addition to programmed major refurbishment works, there have been closures required for emergency works and for routine maintenance. Major refurbishment works in the period are as follows:
- (i)) 1980 M6 Ray Hall—viaduct resurfacing and deckjoint repairs for six months.
- (ii) 1981 M5 Eastern Arm—viaduct resurfacing and deckjoint repairs for three months.
- (iii) 1982 M5 Western Arm—viaduct resurfacing and deckjoint repairs for three months.
- (iv) 1991 M6 Ray Hall—viaduct deck repairs, waterproofing, drainage, carriageway strengthening and resurfacing, street lighting renewal for six months.
- (v) 1993 M5 Eastern Arm—viaduct deck repairs, Waterproofing, drainage, carriageway strengthening and resurfacing, street lighting renewal for six months (contract commenced on 19 April)
By using temporary narrow lanes at times of peak traffic demand, the programmed closures have not materially restricted capacity below that otherwise available. At all other times, sufficient capacity has been maintained to accommodate the prevailing traffic flow with minimum delay.
The total estimated cost to public funds of all the works carried out at this junction cannot be separated from the costs of maintaining the midland links motorway network as a whole.
The midland links motorway network is subject to ongoing major and routine maintenance work and every effort will continue to be made to minimise disruption to traffic.