§ Mr. Radiceasked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for maintenance work on motorways during the summer months of 1978; what allowance he has made for the likelihood of delays; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe amount of motorway building in the 1960s and the success of these roads in attracting heavy lorries from less suitable routes now means that many miles of surface are reaching the end of their serviceable life and need substantial repair.
This year major repairs will be undertaken on 84 miles of motorway as compared with 50 miles last year. For the next few years, maintenance is likely to be needed at this higher level.
Some interference with traffic flow is part of the unavoidable cost of the work. But, to make sure that conditions for motorists remain the best we can provide, we shall:
- (i) keep two lanes in each direction open in almost all cases;
- (ii) carry out work at night whenever and wherever possible;
- (iii) schedule works to avoid particularly busy periods, when this can be done. For example, work will be suspended on the Midlands motorways in October while the Motor Show is in progress;
541 - (iv) programme the works so that drivers have a sufficient interval with normal driving conditions between repair sites; and
- (v) make sure drivers are fully informed of works, both by publicity and by advance signing.