M62 Widening (Hansard, 27 April 2004)

§ Mr. Wood
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his plans for widening the M62 between junctions 25 and 32 in West Yorkshire; what the planned timetable is for the work; and what the estimated total cost is. [167053]

§ Mr. Jamieson
In July 2003 the Secretary of State asked the Highways Agency to examine new ways of delivering additional capacity on suitable sections of the motorway network in South and West Yorkshire, which includes the M62. Their study is under way and is due to report to the Secretary of State in autumn 2004 with detailed proposals for levels of provision, timetables for delivery and estimated costs.

§ Mr. Wood
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what alternatives to carriageway widening schemes are being considered to address congestion on the M62 in West Yorkshire. [167054]

§ Mr. Jamieson
In July 2003 the Secretary of State asked the Highways Agency to examine new ways of delivering additional capacity on suitable sections of the motorway network in South and West Yorkshire, including the M62. They are currently looking at a wide range of alternatives to widening. These includeUse of narrower lanes Use of the hard shoulder to provide an extra running lane Provision of Emergency Refuges Controlled access to the motorway Better information for travellers.
The agency is due to report to the Secretary of State with the results of the study in autumn 2004.