§ Mrs. MaddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when work on the Ashley Health underpass on the A31 in Dorset began; when it was originally scheduled to be completed; when it is currently scheduled to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [27454]
§ Mr. WattsI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Ms Diana Maddock, dated 1 May 1996:
As you know the Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the Ashley Health Bypass.Work on the scheme started on 1 November 1993. It was originally scheduled for completion on 21 July 1995. The road opened in two stages, the westbound carriageway on 21 July 1995 and the eastbound carriageway on 20 September 1995. The official opening ceremony was on 20 September 1995.We issued a certificate of substantial completion on 5 November to say that the road was fit for its purpose but the contractor is allowed one year from that date to carry out routine maintenance and remedial works required under the contract. Most of that work is now complete but there will be occasions when further work is needed and when that happens, it will be done at off peak times.