HC Deb 04 March 1985 vol 74 cc386-7W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 28 February, Official Report, column 89, what is his estimate of the reduction in the design life of the carriageways of the M4 since the transfer of heavy freight from rail to road during the coal industry dispute.

Mr. John Stradling Thomas

The design life of some parts of these carriageway pavements was already exceeded before the additional traffic arose. It is estimated that the theoretical design life of more recently constructed sections could have been reduced by around 2 per cent. as a result of the transfer.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 26 February, Official Report, column 89, what is his assessment of the effects on the surface of the M4 east of Newport of the transfer of heavy freight from rail to road during the coal industry dispute; when these sections are to be resurfaced; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Stradling Thomas

It is not possible to isolate the effects on the surface of the M4 of this transfer. Measures are to be taken to strengthen the older sections of the M4 carriageways between junction 22 (Newhouse) and junction 24 (Coldra) which have now exceeded their original design life. It is currently planned to commence these works in May.