§ Sir Roger MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the expected date for the opening of the A249 Iwade bypass (M2 to Kingsferry Bridge); what is the latest estimated cost of the project; and what factors underlay the delay in the completion of the scheme. [33249]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Sir Roger Moate, dated 19 June 1996:
As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State about the expected opening date and the latest estimated cost for the A249 between the M2 and Iwade.Following earlier delays, construction is now entering its final phase which should see substantial completion by September. I will let you know the exact date when it is known.When I wrote to you on 29 November 1995 I described the reasons for the delays and I enclose a copy of the letter for you case of reference.The tender price of the project is £35,721,035. We are unable to give an estimate of the final cost without the risk of prejudicing discussions on the costs which are taking place.
§ Sir Roger MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the studies that have been undertaken by his Department in connection with the preparation of the draft orders for the A249 Iwade to Queensborough corner improvement scheme including the second crossing of the Swale; what is the estimated cost of consultation and planning work leading to the publication of the draft orders; and what is the latest estimated cost of the project. [33248]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Sir Roger Moate, dated 19 June 1996:
As you know, John Watts, the Minister for the Railways and Roads, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the A249 Iwade-Queensborough Improvement scheme.All the base ecological studies required for draft Order purposes have been completed. The Topographical Survey is due for completion later this month and the contract for the relevant Ground Investigation Survey will be awarded soon. Traffic surveys have also been undertaken.The latest estimated cost of the planning work leading to the preparation of the draft Orders is £1.85m. The latest estimated cost of building the scheme is £97m (this includes works, preparation and supervision and land).