§ Mr. MuddTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the present traffic flow on the M6 at Thelwall; what was the design capacity; and what are the Department's projections for traffic flow at this point in the year 2000.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyAt present the average traffic flow across the viaduct throughout the year is about 103,000 vehicles per day. This Includes traffic diverting on to the M6 to avoid long-term roadworks on the M63 at Barton Bridge.
The current assumed design capacity for a dual three-lane motorway with hard shoulders (not provided on Thelwall viaduct) is up to 79,000 vehicles per day.
The predicted average daily flow for the year 2000 is in the range 94,000 to 111,000 vehicles per day. This forecast is based on the average daily flow of 81,000 vehicles in 1984, before the Barton Bridge roadworks started.
I announced in January our plans to widen this part of the M6, including the viaduct, to dual four lanes with hard shoulders throughout.