§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list when each contract for the M66 Denton to Middleton motorway(a) was and (b) is expected to be let, the cost of each contract, when each contract is planned to be completed, when the completed road will open and what steps he is taking to ensure contract does not delay the opening of the road. [40372]
§ Mr. WattsThe M66 Manchester outer ring road scheme is split into four main contracts. There was also an advance work contract to construct a rail bridge.
Contract 1 is a three year contract which was let in March 1996. The tender sum was £101,878,528. The contract is currently expected to be finished by its target completion date of spring 1999.
Contract 2 is a two-year contract which was let in August 1994. The tender sum was £48,930,425. Problems have occurred during construction which have resulted in delays. Completion is now anticipated late in 1997.
Contract 3 tenders have not yet been invited for this two year contract. The tender estimate is £80,000,000. The timing of this contract is under consideration but the aim, subject to availability of funds, is to have the whole scheme completed in 1999.
Contract 4 was a two year contract let in May 1993. The tender sum was £18,229,262. It was completed in February 1996 and is now open to traffic.
The advance works contract was for a rail bridge. It was let in March 1993. The tender sum was £2,044,174 and the contract was completed autumn 1994.