§ Mr. GristTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales why there is an unused carriageway between the two carriageways in use of the A48(M) west of its junction with the M4; how long has it been there; what was the cost; what was its purpose; what is now intended; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe unused carriageway between the two A48(M) carriageways at Castleton—M4/A48(M) junction 29—was constructed when the carriageway resurfacing and strengthening work to the A48(M) were carried out in 1989. It was provided to enable westbound traffic—M4 to A48(M)—to be transferred to the eastbound carriageway, in contraflow, while works to the westbound carriageway were carried out. Because of the split between the two A48(M) carriageways at Castleton, junction 29, this contraflow arrangement would not otherwise have been possible.
On completion of the A48(M) works in 1989, the ends of this additional length of carriageway were stopped up using landscaped mounds. The carriageway has not been removed because it may, at some time in the future, be useful again should a contraflow arrangement be necessary to carry out further works.
407WThe cost of the carriageway was £250,000.