§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the various contracts to upgrade the A406—north circular road—at Sterling way, Fore street, Angel road and Lea valley viaduct to be completed; what steps he is taking to overcome the delays announced on some of them; and if he will make a statement. [36843]
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Ms Clare Short, dated 18 July 1996:
As you know I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the A406 London North Circular Road.
There are three adjoining contracts to improve this road between Stirling Way and Hall Lane. Contract A, the Fore Street Underpass section, is expected to be completed in December 1997, Contract B, the Angel Road Viaduct section, is scheduled for completion in December 1996 and Contract C, the Lea Valley section should be finished in August this year.
Delays have been caused by several factors including having to contend with uncharted essential utility service pipes and cables, unexpected ground conditions and unforeseen obstructions encountered during piling work. To try to overcome some of the problems, the Contractors are working longer hours, increasing resources and reviewing their methods and sequence of construction.
§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how far negotiations have proceeded with the London borough of Enfield regarding compensation for the removal from Pymmes park, N18 of a cedar tree as part of the compulsory purchase of licence land relating to the widening of the A406 at Sterling way—north circular road; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the current replacement offer from the Highways Agency; what further compensation is due as a result of the compulsory purchase order procedures and carrying out of highway and other works in the vicinity of Pymmes park; and if he will make a statement. [36844]
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
660WLetter from Lawrie Haynes to Ms Clare Short, dated 18 July 1996:
As you know, The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the compensation being claimed by Enfield Borough Council in respect of land taken from Pymmes Park for the widening of the A406 North Circular Road.
The plot of land on which the cedar tree was located is required under an essential licence for the purpose of providing the contractor with working space for the duration of the adjacent roadworks. The District Valuer has reached agreement with the Council on the compensation payable for the use of this land and the Highways Agency propose to arrange for this to be settled shortly. The Council have not raised the possibility of submitting a further claim in respect of the loss of the tree itself.
The major part of the land taken at Pymmes Park is required for the permanent works and is proceeding on the basis of an exchange of land. The Highways Agency is arranging for the former Willoughby Gas Works Site to be upgraded and given to the Council as replacement pubic open space for that which has been lost as a result of the highway scheme.