§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether consideration was given during the construction of the M63 from Cheadle Heath to Portwood to seeking the closure of the railway line running parallel with the route; what approaches were made by his Department to British Railways and what replies were received; whether any representation from British Railways alleging damage to the line during construction was received; and whether he is able to make any estimate of the effect on the road scheme and the cost attributable to the proximity.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe did not consider asking British Rail to close this line. Before construction of the M63 Stockport East/West Bypass began, we discussed the future of the line with British Rail: there was no suggestion of closure by it at that time.
After the motorway works had exposed a vertical shaft above the tunnel near St. Mary's Church, the line was closed as an emergency measure. We understand that British Rail is still considering its future. We have had no representations from British Rail alleging damage to the line.
The design of the road takes account of the proximity of an operating railway. I am not able to give an estimate of the effect of the line closure on the costs of the road scheme.