HC Deb 06 March 1972 vol 832 c259W
Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what his intentions are with regard to improving the dual-lane section of the M1 between Watford and Hemel Hempstead; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Gilbert Longden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what his proposals are for improving the dual, two-lane section of the M1 in Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Graham Page

The Department has been studying the most effective means of coping with both present and future traffic needs on this section of the M1. My right hon. Friend has decided to include in the trunk road preparation pool a scheme for adjacent carriageways each to provide four lanes in each direction between Berrygrove, near Watford, and Breakspears, near Hemel Hempstead. The scheme adopted will minimise the disturbance of traffic using the M1 while construction work is in progress, and will provide additional capacity as quickly at practicable. Planning and design work is to start at once. The work should be completed in 1976.