§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Transport when the section of the M1 motorway through Bedfordshire was constructed; and what was the nature of the damage to the structure of the road that has necessitated such extensive repairs and maintenance.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe M1 in Bedfordshire was constructed in the late 1950s and was opened to traffic in 1959. The carriageway surfaces in the left hand lanes have now been affected by deformation and have been removed. The hard shoulders have been strengthened at the same time so that heavy vehicles can be diverted on to them during future maintenance work.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Transport whether there was initially any fault in the construction of the section of the M1 motorway through Bedfordshire that has made it particularly vulnerable to traffic user and axle weights.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere was no fault in the construction of the section of the M1 motorway in Bedfordshire616W which made it particularly vulnerable to traffic use and axle weights. The loadings have been well in excess of those envisaged and the carriageway has reached the life for which it was designed.