§ Mr. McWilliamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received, and from whom, to increase safety on the A1 southward from Blaydon bridge to the Washington service area.
§ Mr. McWilliamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what expenditure his Department has incurred in testing and development on his Department's proposals124W to produce a new route for the Al between the Washington service area and Blaydon bridge.
§ Mr. WattsThis is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to the hon. member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. John Mc William, dated 22 November 1994:
You tabled two questions about the Al between Washington Service Area and Blaydon Bridge.As this is an operational matter relating to the Highways Agency I have been asked to reply.The Agency constantly monitors conditions on the A1 Trunk Road and improvement schemes are brought forward when necessary in conjunction with the Local Highways Authorities who act as our Agents.As part of these procedures our agents Gateshead MBC produced a safety report on the Al in their area. Subsequently a number of short and medium term schemes to improve safety have been completed. These are lane drop/merge signs, temporary warning signs, central safety fence, northbound third lane and a lighting scheme.For the longer term schemes under consideration are junction improvements the introduction of a sign gantry at the MetroCentre, the provision of a third lane southbound at Dunston and a queue detection variable message sign system over the route.Expenditure incurred to date on the proposed A1 Gateshead Bypass improvement scheme is £2.3 million. This figure includes the costs of working up all the route options taken to public consultation and the suggested alternatives including the Gateshead MBC proposal.