§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why, given the length of time taken for the planning and construction of the new Severn bridge, the M.5 interchange has not yet opened; what is the length of delay; and whether the contractors will face any penalties for that delay.
§ Viscount GoschenI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my noble friend.
92WALetter to Lord Brougham and Vaux from the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, dated 1st July 1996.
As you know, the Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary Question asking about the expected opening date of the M.5 Interchange and whether the contractors will face any penalties for the delay.
There have been delays during construction of M.4 and M.49 caused by exceptionally wet weather, late diversion of services and some design changes. In order that work could be concentrated on M.4 to enable it to be ready for the opening of the Second Severn Crossing on 5th June, the completion date for M.49 was extended. The current contract completion date is 22nd July.
We will need to consider where the responsibility for the delay lies and I am sure you will appreciate that I cannot comment at this stage for fear of prejudicing our position. However, there are penalty clauses in the contract and these will be applied, if appropriate.