§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will set out the timetable in respect of his plans(a) to widen the existing carriageway of the M25 to five lanes in each direction between junctions 12 and 14 and 15 to 16 and (b) to create six lanes in each direction between junctions 14 and 15; [21577]
(2) what public inquiries will be held in respect of the proposed M25 widening between junctions 12 and 16; [21584]
(3) when he proposes to publish his environmental statements in respect of proposals to accommodate projected M25 traffic growth for the next 15 years. [21583]
§ Mr. WattsThe Highways Agency has embarked upon design work and an environmental assessment of the widening proposals following my right hon. Friend's announcement on 3 April. The agency expects to publish details of the scheme between junctions 12 and 15, including an environmental statement, early next year. A series of local public exhibitions will be held to provide an opportunity for people to see the proposals and discuss them with agency staff.
Preparation of the scheme between junctions 15 and 16 will take longer. Subsequent progress on both schemes will depend on successful completion of any necessary statutory procedures. If design work were to confirm that the proposals could be contained within the curtilage of the existing road layout, there would be no statutory obligation to hold a public inquiry.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he proposes to minimise the effects of noise arising from proposals to extend the M25. [21574]
§ Mr. WattsThis will be achieved by a comprehensive set of mitigation measures, including additional and heightened noise barriers.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out his budget and precise proposals for land purchase in respect of the proposed M25 widening between junctions 12 to 16. [21578]
§ Mr. WattsThe precise amount of land, if any, to be purchased has yet to be assessed following further design work and the projected cost will depend upon estimates provided by the Valuation Office Agency.
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§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he now has to introduce measures to enable the M25 motorway to perform its function as part of the strategic road network; and if he will make a statement. [21579]