HC Deb 17 January 1978 vol 942 cc147-8W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he anticipates the work on the St. John's railway bridge (A6) will be completed: and what is the reason for the delay.

Mr. Horam

By midsummer this year. Delay arose from the postponement of schemes in December 1976 and difficulties in obtaining materials.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents have occurred during the past two years on the A6 between Manton Lane roundabout and the village of Clapham; whether there are proposals for widening the road on its approach to Clapham, Bedfordshire; and what steps he intends to take to ensure that motorists are aware the road unexpectedly narrows near the village.

Mr. Horam

In the two years ending 31st December 1977, two serious and three slight injury accidents occurred. A scheme to widen the narrow section of this length outside the built-up area of Clapham and improve sight lines on the bends is planned to start next July. Appropriate signs will warn of the remaining narrow section at the entrance to the village.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the scheme for the A6 to bypass Clapham, Bedfordshire, has been abandoned.

Mr. Horam

No such scheme has yet been added to the Department's preparation pool, but the possibility is being considered.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will prohibit parking on both sides of the A6 near the entrance to Princes Street, Clapham, Bedfordshire.

Mr. Horam

A waiting restrictions order was published in a draft on 1st December 1977. Objections are now being considered.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost of converting the large roundabout (A6) at the foot of Manton Lane, Bedford, into a smaller one; and what was the cost of additional work undertaken on the approach from Bedford.

Mr. Horam

About £20,000 and £350 respectively.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of Stag for Transport if he will list the type and number of accidents that have occurred at the Manton Lane roundabout (A6) since the roadworks were completed at the junction.

Mr. Horam

Two serious and two slight injury accidents since the first works were completed in October 1976.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, as the route of the A6 out of Bedford from Manton Lane to Clapham involves a wide are left bend, what steps he intends to take to safeguard, [...]dal cyclists using the road.

Mr. Horam

Improvement schemes due to start this summer will include the provision of a footpath/cycleway.

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