Motorways (Hansard, 2 August 1963)

§ Mr. Sydney Irving
asked the Minister of Transport how many works of repair, improvement, alteration or completion are at present proceeding on motorways already opened for public use.

§ Mr. Marples
Repairs are in progress on the A.20 (M) Maidstone by-pass. Alterations to affect the junction between the Preston by-pass and the Preston-Lancaster section of the M.6 motorway are also in progress. There is a comprehensive programme of widening and strengthening the hard shoulders and repairing the surface of the slow lanes on M.1. Improvement of the central reserve drainage on M.1 is almost complete. In addition routine maintenance is taking place at various points on other motorways.

§ Mr. Sydney Irving
asked the Minister of Transport what is the number of works of repair and maintenance on motorways at present being carried out which involve the temporary use of two-way traffic working; where such works are taking place; andhow many miles of motorway are involved.

§ Mr. Marples
Work on two motorways involves the temporary closure of carriageway sections. A length of approximately 8,500 feet of the A.20 (M) Maidstone by-pass has only one carriageway open while repairs are being effected. Alterations to effect the junction between the Preston by-pass and the Preston-Lancashire section of the M.6 motorway will necessitate the closure of one or other carriageway over ½ mile of the by-pass for short periods.

§ Mr. Sydney Irving
asked the Minister of Transport what steps he has taken to ensure that works of repair of motorways are carried out speedily by the use of such measures as overtime and weekend working.

§ Mr. Marples
Though speed is desirable in effecting repairs to motorways, other factors, such as cost, traffic safety at night or the need to keep interference to weekend traffic to a minimum in the holiday season, must be considered. Nevertheless abnormal hours are worked when particular difficulties might result from delay or when technically necessary.
213W

§ Mr. Sydney Irving
asked the Minister of Transport how many works of repair and maintenance to motorways are at present being carried out which were commenced more than two months, three months, and four months ago, respectively.

§ Mr. Marples
Repairs on the A.20 (M) Maidstone bypass, which began in February, are still under way. A comprehensive programme of widening and strengthening the hard shoulders, of repairing the surface of the slow lanes and of improving the central reserve drainage on the M.1 began in late 1960 and is being carried out progressively at appropriate times. Widening and strengthening the hard shoulers on the Preston bypass have just been completed but alterations to effect the junction between it and the Preston-Lancaster section of the M.6 are being carried out as part of the contract for the latter which was let in August, 1962.

§ Mr. Sydney Irving
asked the Minister of Transport how many works of repair and maintenance at present being carried out on motorways involve the closure of one, two, or three lines of carriageway, respectively; and where such works are taking place.

§ Mr. Marples
The repairs on the A.20 (M) Maidstone bypass have necessitated the closure of a 2-lane carriageway over approximately 8,500 feet. This is part of the length between Chrismill Railway Bridge and the junction with A.249.
A comprehensive programme of widening and strengthening hard shoulders, repairing slow lane surfaces and improving central reserve drainage on M.1 is being carried out progressively. It involves closing one or two lanes over various lengths but it is not possible to provide exact details. Other improvements will have the same effect at various times.
The strengthening of the hard shoulders on the Preston bypass, which required the closure of one or other carriageway over short lengths, is now complete. Alterations to effect the junction between the bypass and the Preston-Lancaster section of the M.6 involves the closure of one or other carriageway at 214W the northern end of the bypass for a half mile for short periods.
Routine maintenance on other motorways may involve the temporary closure of one or more lanes, but details are not readily available.