§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what performance indicators were included in the DBFO contract in relation to the new A419/A417 road scheme regarding the quality of the concrete road surface; at what stages and to what extent these performance indicators were monitored during the laying of the concrete; and if all the performance indicators were successfully achieved by the contractor before final payment was made; [32970]
(2) what was the precise specification of the DBFO contract in relation to the new A419/A417 road scheme regarding the smoothness of the concrete surface of the road; how this was specified in relation to the noise generated; and if the surface which has been provided meets that specification; [32969]
(3) how many representations his Department and Highways Agency have received regarding noise generated by the new A419/A417 road scheme; and what further noise abatement measures are proposed; [32968]
(4) what was his Department's advice regarding road surfaces and noise to the Public Inquiry Inspector on the new A419/A417 road scheme; and in what respects that advice differed from the departmental standard for a normal public procurement process for a new road. [32971]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, dated 9 March 1998:
The Transport Minister, Glenda Jackson, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the new A419/A417 road scheme.Over 70 representations have been received about noise from the new road. The DBFO Company have agreed to extend the mounding at the Basin overbridge, with the agreement of a local landowner. and we have agreed to upgrade 200 metres of anti-dazzle fencing at Latton to a 2 metre high noise fence.The road surface specification of the DBFO contract is listed in the Construction Requirements as "Specification for Highways Works" (SHW) published by HMSO in August 1993. This is the specification normally used for Trunk Roads in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The specific clauses in relation to this scheme about the smoothness of the concrete surface of the road as 1026, 1029 and 1031. Copies of which have already been placed in the House of Commons Library.8WThe Specification does not relate smoothness of concrete finish to the noise generated.The Construction Certificates issued by the DBFO Co, and signed by the Contractor and Designer, certify that the pavement satisfies the Construction Requirements.The performance indicators included in the DBFO Contract regarding the quality of the concrete road surface are included in the Specification and include the clauses mentioned earlier.The monitoring of these performance indicators is specified in Appendix 1/5 of the Specification. The Construction Certificates issued by the DBFO Co, and signed by the Contractor and Designer, certify that the pavement provided has been tested in all respects so as to satisfy the Construction Requirements.The advice given to the Inspector, and to the general public, at the respective Public Inquiries was that the future contractor would be able to choose the road surfacing material from the alternatives allowed within the Specification for Highway Works.The choice is the same as usually allowed under normal procurement procedures.