§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about extended delays to those travelling westbound on the M4 towards London Heathrow as a result of the coning-off of lanes on the motorway on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleOne hon. Member telephoned my right hon. Friend's office and another telephoned the Department. No other representations have been received.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the reduction of the westbound carriageway of the M4 at the Heston service station from three lanes to one lane on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May; how many people were working on the M4 at Heston; and what repairs were being carried out.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleExtended delays occurred on the westbound carriageway of M4 in outer London last weekend following a local failure of the concrete carriageway on Friday 15 May. Traffic was immediately restricted to one lane to protect motorists and a 20 mph speed restriction was imposed. The centre lane was reopened temporarily for the Friday evening peak period, following emergency repairs, but was then closed again for more substantial remedial measures.
Concrete was broken out for 8 metres either side of a damaged lateral joint and was replaced by asphaltic material. The M4 westbound carriageway was fully reopened to traffic by 5.30 am on Monday 18 May. The Department's agent and contractor are to be congratulated on the speed and efficiency with which they tackled this emergency, which could not have been anticipated. The number of people working on site varied throughout the weekend depending on the operations being undertaken. At the peak, 22 engineering, supervisory and operative staff were employed. Most work was complete by midday on Sunday but time was needed for the asphalt to cool and harden before traffic could be allowed to run on it.