§ Sir Roger MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about progress with construction of the new dual carriageway for the A249 between the M2 and Kingsferry Bridge. [2438]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Sir Roger Moate, dated 29 November 1995:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement about progress with construction of the new dual carriageway for the A249 between the M2 and Kingsferry Bridge.I am afraid that unforeseen ground conditions have meant delays to this scheme. Because of the delay to the contractors programme, laying of the concrete pavement which we had expected to be substantially completed by now has to be suspended over Winter, but work will re-start next Spring when the weather permits. But most of the diversion of statutory undertakers equipment is now complete and good progress is being made on the Key Street Underpass; the earthworks have also been completed. We expect the scheme to be completed later next year.