HC Deb 10 June 1976 vol 912 cc739-40W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department expects to pass its conclusions on major improvements to the A646, between Halifax and Todmorden, to the West Yorkshire County Council; and what opportunity the county council will have to submit observations on such conclusions.

Mr. Marks

It is hoped to be able to consult West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council in late 1976 or early 1977. Full opportunity will be given to the county council and any other relevant local authorities and statutory bodies to make observations.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish details of traffic flow surveys being carried out on the A646, between Halifax and Todmorden; who is responsible for undertaking such surveys; on what basis these surveys are being conducted; when these surveys were started; and when they will be completed.

Mr. Marks

Details of the traffic flow surveys will be published. An origin and destination survey was carried out by the then West Riding County Council in 1972. This survey is being updated by automatic traffic counts carried out by the Department's North Eastern Road Construction Unit. These counts are still continuing.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the major improvements being considered to the A646, between Halifax and Todmorden, include the construction of dual carriageway; which parts of the road are being so considered; and what other types of major improvements are being considered.

Mr. Marks

Options being considered are the construction of single carriageway by-passes of Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge, and dual carriageways on the sections between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge and between Mytholmroyd and Luddenden Foot. Present indications are, however, that relatively small scale improvements only will be necessary.