§ 46. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport what is the present position with regard to the Leicestershire portion of the London to Yorkshire motorway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesWork started in August on the first 15 miles of the M.1 extension from Crick to Whetstone. We expect to let the contracts for the next 11 miles to Markfield very shortly. If all goes well, we hope to lot contracts for the remaining sections in Leicestershire, next summer; and to invite tenders shortly for advance works at the crossing of the River Trent.
§ 51. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Transport if he will list the local roads which will serve as connecting links between the London-Yorkshire motorway extension at Markfield and Nottingham, Derby and the North; and what improvements have been or will be made in these local roads.
§ Mr. MarplesThe route to be recommended and signposted for northbound traffic from Markfield to the A.6 has still to be decided. It will probably include the B.591 and B.5350. These roads and the B.5330 and the B.588 are being widened and strengthened to enable them to carry the motorway constructional traffic.
§ 52. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Transport when he anticipates that the extension of the London-Yorkshire motorway to Markfield and the junction with the A.50 will be completed and ready for use.
§ Mr. MarplesWork started in August on the first 15 miles of the extension up to Whetstone. I hope to let the contracts for the next 11 miles to the A.50 junction at Markfield very shortly. The contract period will be 23 months.
§ 54. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport what plans he has made during the planning of the Leicestershire portion of the London to Yorkshire motorway to avoid congestion of traffic on feeder roads.
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§ Mr. MarplesMajor improvements to a number of trunk and classified roads in the vicinity of the motorway junctions are planned or under way and I am sending details to the hon. Member.