HC Deb 24 June 1996 vol 280 cc49-50W
Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the original estimate, (b) the cost in the tender accepted and (c) the total and final outturn costs of the main works M4 contract 3, Earlswood to Lonlas. [33386]

Mr. Gwilym Jones

The pre-tender estimate of the M4 Earlswood to Lonlas scheme was £32,500,000; the tender sum accepted, £30,971,000; and the final contract cost, £39,564,000.

Mr. Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what study he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated concerning (i) the estimated loss of investment in the Swansea area because of traffic delays and congestion during the construction of the M4 from Earlswood to Lonlas and (ii) investment which could come to the Swansea area on the completion of this link in the M4. [33389]

Mr. Jones

No studies into the effects of investment in the Swansea area relating to the effects of the M4 have been commissioned or evaluated.

Mr. Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the information he holds concerning traffic time delays during peak periods throughout the construction of the Earlswood to Lonlas section of the M4, with particular reference to information on the average of maximum time delays. [33390]

Mr. Jones

Times of traffic movement through the M4 Earlswood to Lonlas works during peak periods were not recorded. Delays were minimised by keeping two lanes in each direction open during construction—the same number as the existing A48 that was being upgraded.

Mr. Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total cost of traffic management and associated engineering works necessary to maintain traffic flows throughout the contract period for the M4 contract 3, Earlswood to Lonlas new motorway section. [33391]

Mr. Jones

Total traffic management costs for the M4 Earlswood to Lonlas contract were £2,199,000.