§ Sir Roger MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his decision on a preferred route for the A249 Iwade bypass to Queenborough improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WattsI am pleased to announce the preferred route for this scheme. It is the route on which the public were consulted last November.
This scheme, which includes a second crossing of the Swale on a high level bridge, will greatly assist the development and expansion of industry and commerce and increase competitiveness and employment on the Isle of Sheppey. I am confident that this much-needed improvement of the A249 will be welcomed by all those whose lives are affected daily by the existing, wholly inadequate link with the mainland and the lifting bridge across the Swale.
In choosing a route we have had the difficult task of balancing the needs of people and the local economy with important environmental considerations. I believe we have struck the right balance. The preferred route will avoid the key areas of ecological importance and make the best use of the existing road corridor.