HC Deb 04 November 1996 vol 284 cc360-1W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he instructed work to begin on the slip road viaduct at junction 2 of the M1 motorway to allow it to carry 44-tonne vehicles; how much the project will cost; and when he expects it to be completed. [19]

Mr. Watts

I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 4 November 1996: The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question asking him when he instructed work to begin on the slip road viaduct at junction 2 of the MI motorway to allow it to carry 44 tonne vehicles, how much the project will cost and when he expects it to be completed. Consulting Engineers were instructed on 4 April this year to examine options for strengthening the slip road viaducts to carry vehicles of up to 44 tonnes complying with current Construction and Use Regulations for combined road/rail transport. Preparatory site work was started on 21 October. The main strengthening contract is out to tender and is due to start in December 1996 with completion during the Spring of 1997. The overall cost of the project is estimated to be £4m.