§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he now proposes to announce details of the 307W plans to replace the present A40 between Gloucester and Ross-on-Wye; and when he expects the upgraded route via Newent to he open to traffic.
§ Mrs. ChalkerAlthough the recent route investigation study has enabled us to confirm our strategy for upgrading the alternative route via Newent, there is a great deal of work now to be done before detailed plans can be formulated. It is too early to predict when the upgraded route will be completed.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans exist for the upgrading of the remaining single carriageway sections of the A40 between Oxford and Ross-on-Wye; and by what date he expects the work to be completed.
§ Mrs. ChalkerSections of this route will be upgraded when such works can be justified. Present plans include the construction of a bypass of Northleach, which is scheduled to open to traffic next summer. In addition, it is planned to upgrade the A436–A417 route south of Cheltenham to enable trunk road traffic to be diverted from the present A40 through the town. These works include a bypass of Brockworth, which is due to be completed in about five years time.