§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost per mile at 1994 prices of the construction of the M25; and what will be the cost at 1994 prices of the construction of a widened M25.
§ Mr. KeyThe cost of building the M25 was nearly £1,000 million which gives a price of approimately £6.85 million per mile. The price base in 1986 when the M25 was 611W completed, was similar to the current level according to the road construction price index. Using current prices the estimated cost of widening the M25 to four lanes is £7.59 million per mile. The estimated costs of the link roads proposed between junctions 12 and 16 work out at £15.45 million per mile. Proposals for other sections considered to need capacity beyond dual four-lane carriageways have not been assessed in sufficient detail to give comparative figures.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the widening of the M25; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyThe plans for the further development of the M25 were announced by my right hon. Friend last July. Subject to anything that might emerge from the review of the national road programme, I have no reason to reconsider that strategy.