§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of improving Junction 10 on the M5 to provide access to both north and southbound traffic; and if he will make a statement on the future of the junction. [145176]
§ Mr. HillThe Highways Agency is proposing to implement a Route Management Strategy Study (RMS) over the length of M5 between Junctions 4a (M5/M42 junction south west of Birmingham) and 15 (M5/M4 junction north of Bristol) which will include an evaluation of Junction 10 near Uckington, in Gloucestershire. The study is expected to be commissioned around the turn of this year and will take approximately 12 months to complete.
The purpose of the RMS study will be to consider the route in its regional context while also focusing on local needs and considering how we can best integrate roads planning with other transport and planning decisions. The Highways Agency will take a 10-year forward look covering the maintenance, operation and improvement projects for the route to ensure that it can sustain development growth. The views of local authorities, regional planning authorities, bus and lorry operators, the police and members of the public will all be sought and taken into account as part of the study.
As part of the study, specific consideration will be given to the merits of modifying Junction 10 of M5 to provide for all traffic movements but until the study is completed it is not possible to provide an estimate of the potential costs.