§ Mr. Roger Kingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated life of a resurfaced section of motorway (a) on ground level and (b) on overhead viaducts.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe life of surfacing material depends largely upon the weight and volume of traffic using it and the extremes of weather conditions occurring during its life. The estimated service life of surfacing on motorways at ground level varies between eight and twelve years. On 763W overhead viaducts the surfacing is often subject to more severe stresses and the services life tends towards the lower end of this range.
§ Mr. Roger Kingasked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals are being considered for the designation of official alternative routes adjacent to the motorway system.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe capacity of the motorway system is continuously reviewed so that longer-term problems can be tackled by including specific improvements in the road programme. Seasonal problems have been mitigated by well-publicised holiday routes, which are reviewed annually. Perhaps my hon. Friend will write to me if there is a particular point of concern about the need for a temporary diversion.