§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport what improvements or changes there have been to the A339 Basingstoke to Newbury trunk road in each of the last five years; and how long each improvement took from its initial planning stage to completion.
§ Mr. RidleyThe following improvements have been completed in the last five years:
59W
- Date of Completion— Description and cost
- October 1978— A339/A34 Swan roundabout (£120,000)
- September 1982—Kingsclere bypass (£1.525 million)
- June 1983—Junction with U31 road to Headley (£25,000)
Planning for the Kingsclere bypass started in the early 1950s. It was not, however, proceeded with until preparation was resumed in 1970.
Existing records do not show when the planning of the other two schemes was first started.
§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport what new constructional changes to the A339 Basingstoke to Newbury trunk road are being considered by his Department; when they were first considered; what public consultation took place; what their expected completion dates and benefits will be; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyThe following schemes for improving the A339 are currently under consideration
Basingstoke Northern Bypass, Stage 2A;Improvements at the junctions of the road to Burghclere, Ecchinswell, Greenham Common Air Base and Brimpton/Thatcham;A realignment at Shothanger Farm.They will not be the subject of consultation with the public except where it is necessary to use statutory procedures for the acquisition or exchange of land. All but the first are small regional schemes which have arisen since 1982 as part of our regular review of safety on trunk roads.
These schemes, on which I hope that work can start during 1984 or 1985, are planned to improve safety along the A339, particularly for right turning traffic. Those at Basingstoke and Greenham common will also reduce traffic delays, especially at peak hours.
§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Transport what changes to the A339 Basingstoke to Newbury trunk road were included in "Policy for Roads in England: 1983".
§ Mr. RidleyThe White Paper, "Policy for Roads in England: 1983" lists only those schemes estimated to cost more than £1 million. The only scheme on the A339 in this category is the Basingstoke northern bypass stage 2A. We will be inviting tenders for these works shortly.