§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost of the underpass on the A1(M) at Hatfield; and what is its total length.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe structure at Hatfield, constructed by the cut-and-cover process, accommodates a full three-lane motorway. Raised walkways along both sides of each carriageway contain the extensive cabling and service ducts required for tunnel services and motorway communications.
As well as offering environmental advantages this approach, with appropriate strengthening, allow the redevelopment of an area of some 25 acres on and around the tunnel lid.
The final gross construction cost of the tunnel and carriageways, excluding land/compensation costs, was £35 million, some of this being recovered by receipts associated with the development scheme.
The tunnel is 1,150m (¾ mile) long.