§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of concrete motorway have been resurfaced in black-top; and what factors caused it to be used. [38413]
580W
§ Mr. WattsThis is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Christopher Gill, dated 24 October 1995:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many miles of concrete motorway have been resurfaced in black-top; and what factors caused it to be used.Figures are not available for years prior to 1992/93. The lengths of concrete motorway in England resurfaced in black-top in recent years are as follows:
Financial Year Miles 1992–93 1.8 1993–94 15.6 1994–95 9.3 Motorways with a concrete road surface can be resurfaced in black-top as part of normal maintenance operations. This would be carried out for two main reasons—as a surface treatment or as a strengthening treatment. A surface treatment is required when the skidding resistance of the road surface falls below specified levels of where the concrete surface is showing signs of distress. A strengthening treatment is required when the structural condition of the pavement has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer able to carry the predicted future traffic. Overlaying with black-top is one means of providing the additional strength and extending the pavement life. Alternatively, concrete can also be used as an overlay treatment.