Millennium Experience (Hansard, 20 April 1998)

§ Mr. Baker
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the roadworks whose completion will benefit road access to the Millennium Dome, giving the expected completion date in each case. [38718]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
The Millennium Experience will be a car-free event, but it is essential to secure good access for the traffic that has yet to get to the Dome such as coaches, taxis, disabled drivers and delivery vehicles. The following road improvements are taking place.
Al2 Hackney to M11 Link Road The road is planned to be opened in Autumn 1999.
A102(M) Access Improvements Works are due to commence in July 1998 for completion in June 1999.
Blackwall Tunnel Work to refurbish the ventilation system for the southbound Blackwall tunnel is due for the completion in summer 1999. An exit ramp to divert overheight lorries from the northbound entrance to the tunnel was completed in October 1997.
418W
Primary Route Network Re-signing Scheme replace the green backed Primary network signing in London. Tenders for the East London sector affecting routes to Greenwich have been invited with completion programmed for Autumn 1999.
Woolwich Road Improvement Scheme The London Borough of Greenwich are receiving funding to upgrade to dual carriageway, the remaining single carriageway section of the Woolwich Road (A206) Completion is planned for May 1999.

§ Mr. Wyatt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for improvements to the transport infrastructure in preparation for the opening of the Millennium Experience. [37437]

§ Ms Glenda Jackson
By the Millennium, there will be a variety of attractive and convenient means of travel available for visitors to the Dome which involve new and improved transport infrastructure as part of an integrated approach to provide access to the Millennium Experience. The following improvements are plannedThe construction of the Jubilee Line Extension (JLE) with a major new station by the gates of the Dome. A new bus station next to the JLE station with bus routes from several directions. A new pier for river services to central London (and historic Greenwich). A dedicated bus service linking the North Kent rail line at Charlton Station to the Dome. Completion of the Al2 Hackney to Ml I Link road. Replacement of green-backed Primary Route Network signs on east London routes to Greenwich. A refurbished ventilation system for the southbound Blackwall tunnel. An exit ramp to divert overheight lorries from the northbound entrance to the tunnel was completed in October 1997. New road links from the A102(M) onto local roads on the Greenwich Peninsula to provide access for those who need to come by road (such as coach parties and disabled drivers). A new riverside cycle/walk way linking Greenwich Town Centre to the Dome, plus facilities for visitors to leave their bicycles and motorbikes securely A new cable car system is planned by a private company to cross the Thames. A purpose built coach park at the Dome site with driver and passenger facilities.