HC Deb 20 December 1994 vol 251 cc1088-9W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what current(a) building and (b) planning activities are being carried out by him in respect of (i) improvements to the Al between the Low Fell interchange and the Scottish border and (ii) improvements to the A69 between the Al west road interchange and the M6; how many of his staff and in which locations are working on such improvements; and when each project is scheduled for conclusion.

Mr. Watts

This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 20 December 1994: The Minister for Railways and Roads, John Watts has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question on what current (a) building and (b) planning activities are being carried out by him in respect of (i) improvements to the Al between the Low Fell Interchange and the Scottish Border and (ii) improvements to the A69 between the Al West Road Interchange and the M6; how many of his staff and in which locations are working on such improvements; and when each project is scheduled for conclusion.

  1. (a) The schemes under construction are:
    • A1 North Shotton slip road for completion in April 1995.
    • A69 Route action road safety strategy for completion by March 1995.
  2. (b) The schemes where planning activities are being carried out in respect of the following:-
  1. (i) Improvements to the Al between Low Fell Interchange and the Scottish Border.
    2. 1089
    • A1—
    • Hitchcroft to Cawledge
    • Stannington Grade Separation
    • Low Lyn Marginal Strips
    • Gateshead Western Bypass (Sign Gantries)
    • Gateshead Western Bypass Improvement
    • Morpeth to Lanehead Improvement
    • Willowburn to Denwick Improvement
  2. (ii) Improvements to the A69 between the Al West Road Interchange and the M6.
    • A69—
    • Cleugh Head to Scarrow Hill Improvement
    • Haltwhistle Bypass DBFO
    • Warwick Bridge Bypass
A number of other route enhancement schemes are programmed and implemented annually. It is not possible to give completion dates for schemes in preparation as this depends upon the availability of resources, national priorities and satisfactory completion of statutory procedures. There are 7 members of staff dedicated full time to national programme construction schemes. A further 8 staff work on the management of the network which in part includes work on other route enhancement and improvement schemes implemented annually. There are also a number of staff providing administrative support. All staff are in Newcastle.