§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated cost of constructing one mile of motorway in the current financial year; and how much of this would be necessary if motorways were used only by cars.
§ Mr. HoramMotorway construction costs vary widely, depending on the terrain through which the new road passes, the complexity of the work, and whether the location is urban or rural.
For inter-urban motorway schemes—including those passing through urban areas—for which contracts have been let since 1973, the costs—at November 1978 prices—were:
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- —in the range of £1.19 million to £4.49 million per mile for dual 2-lane motorways with a mean of £2.01 million.
- —in the range of £1.50 million to £5.26 million per mile for dual 3-lane motorways with a mean of £2.81 million.
§ Mr. HoramArrangements are being made to offer transport for those giving evidence who are unable to make their own arrangements to get to the inquiry. I shall be writing shortly to the hon. Member in response to his letter of 27th October on the same subject.