§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress is being made on taking forward road schemes using design and build contracts.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe success of the trial schemes at Thetford and Yellowham has encouraged us to move on to 359W bigger projects and I am pleased to announce that four more schemes are to be taken forward this way. My hon. Friend the Minister for Roads and Traffic has today announced the decision to go ahead with the A45 Stonebridge improvement scheme to the east of Birmingham. The aim is to seek tenders for this £10 million scheme in May and to start work early next year.
Also in the spring of next year, and subject of course to completion of statutory processes, we propose to initiate our largest design and build scheme to date. The £85 million widening of the M25, within highway boundaries, to dual four lanes between junctions 8 and 10 will provide contractors with ample opportunity to demonstrate their skills to build this 14-mile length of road with minimum disruption to users of the motorway.
We intend appointing a contractor to design and build replacement viaducts at the A38 Marsh Mills interchange in Plymouth. Our aim is to select a contractor later this year with a view to work starting in early 1994.
We are preparing also a contract to trial design and build on a major maintenance scheme for M25 between junctions 2 and 3. We expect to invite tenders in May with a view to an award of contract in August.
This package of schemes illustrates the Government's commitment to reducing congestion on our roads by harnessing the initiative of contractors to secure the most up-to-date and cost-effective methods. The taxpayer will also benefit from greater certainty over timing and cost.