§ Mr. Terry DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the junction of the M42 motorway and M40 motorway was opened; when its use was restricted by cones; how many cones are being used at this junction at present; what is the estimated cost of these cones; and when he expects these cones to be removed.
§ Mr. ChopeThe M40-M42 junction opened on 19 December 1989. Cones have restricted the M40 to M42 northbound link road to a single lane since opening. From 8 October 1990 cones have been used throughout the interchange as part of various traffic management measures during the layout alterations presently being undertaken there. The cost of cones is included in the price for the work. Subject to favourable weather conditions the carriageway layout alterations are expected to be completed and the cones removed for Christmas.
§ Mr. Terry DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the purpose of the work being undertaken at the junction of the M40 motorway and M42 motorway; what is the cost of this work; when this work began; when he expects this work to be completed; and why this work was not undertaken during the construction of this junction.
§ Mr. ChopeA £1.5 million contract commenced on 8 October 1990 to improve traffic flows at the M40-M42 junction. Subject to favourable weather conditions, the carriageway layout alterations are expected to be complete for Christmas. Traffic flows through the junction have increased significantly since the start of work on the M40 Warwick section. So as to avoid the risk of delay to that contract a separate contract for the improvement of the junction was let.