§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the last recorded date on which it was possible 197W for a motorist to drive from the start of the M1 motorway to Leicestershire or vice versa, without encountering any major roadworks or lane closures; and when next he anticipates this will be possible.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAlthough major road works are not generally in progress in the winter, lane closures on the M1 are necessary not only for such works, but also for routine maintenance and other minor operations. Short duration lane closures for such minor works are not recorded and so I cannot give dates for when it was, or will be possible, to drive between junction 1 and Leicestershire on the M1 without encountering a lane closure.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Transport by what date he anticipates all major roadworks will have been completed on the M1 motorway (a) between junctions 5 and 8 and (b) between junctions 13 and 15, in view of the significant inconvenience which they cause to road users.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe widening of the motorway between junctions 5 and 8 should be completed by the autumn of next year. This year's work between junctions 13 and 15 should be finished in October, but further strengthening will take place in future years.