§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the cost of widening the carriageway to three lanes of(a) the A2 between London and the commencement of the M2, (b) the M2, and (c) the A2 between the end of the M2 and Canterbury.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe A2 already has dual three-lane carriageways from the London boundary to the start of the M2.
A scheme for widening the M2 to dual three-lanes between junctions 1 and 3 is programmed, at an estimated works cost of £28 million at November 1985 prices. Subject to detailed investigation, this scheme might also provide for the third southbound lane to continue some way beyond junction 3 as a crawler lane.
There are no present plans for widening the remainder of the M2, or the A2 between the motorway and Canterbury. Estimated costs are not, therefore available.
§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the improvement and maintenance programmes for the A2 and M2 roads were last reviewed at ministerial level; and when he will next carry out such a review.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe recent White Paper "Roads for Prosperity" (Cm. 693) announced the addition to the programme of the A2/A282 Dartford improvements scheme, and also the intention to carry out a study into possible future need for improvement along the section of A2 between Bean and the M2. The needs of the national trunk road network as a whole are kept under constant review by Ministers, and new schemes added when justified. We shall continue to watch the position on the A2/M2 route in the light of traffic developments.
Ministers review the national road maintenance programme annually, usually early in the calendar year. This covers all motorway and all-purpose trunk roads.
§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial and other criteria were used in determining whether or not to carry out maintenance work on the M2 and A2 roads north of Canterbury in each year from 1985 to 1989; and if he will publish the criteria.
§ Mr. AtkinsMaintenance priorities on all trunk roads are determined using engineering judgment, based upon the results of road condition assessment surveys and the need for timely intervention to minimise costs. Much of the A2/M2 has exceeded its design life and its condition gave it a high maintenance priority.
1101WThe Department's methods for monitoring road condition and for assessing the needs for maintenance are already published. There can be no set criteria for the application of expert engineering judgment to survey results.