§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for repairing the Taunton bypass section of the M5; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyFour major maintenance schemes will be carried out over the next few years to renew completely the southbound carriageway to enable it to carry the traffic expected well into the next century.
The first of these contracts has recently been completed to the north of junction 26.
Every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience to road users during the works, which will be programmed to avoid peak holiday periods.
The decision to do the work following a study of the long-term maintenance needs of this length of M5 which was commissioned by Somerset county council at the Department's request.