§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport what the level of traffic was on the M6 between the Thelwall viaduct and the M55 Preston Northern bypass when last counted; what the level is expected to be by the end of the century; and what plans he has made for widening this motorway or making alternative provision in this corridor.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe last traffic count between Thelwall viaduct and the M55 (Preston Northern bypass) was taken in 1984, and showed an average flow of 52,000 vehicles per day; by the end of the century the level of traffic is expected to have increased by between 15 per cent. and 40 per cent. A scheme to widen the M6 between junctions 20 and 21a, including Thelwall viaduct is included in the national trunk road programme.