§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much of the Al2 bypass from Margaretting to Boreham has a concrete surface; and what plans there are to replace road surfaces on this road with a noise-reducing surface. [2820]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe whole of the Al2 bypass from Margaretting to Boreham has a concrete surface, apart from some isolated areas on bridge decks.
In the Government's "Transport 2010—The Ten Year Plan" published in July 2000, we set a target of installing quieter surfacing on all concrete stretches of motorway arid trunk road by 2011.
The timing of the work will be influenced by criteria which have been the subject of consultation with local authorities. The criteria have yet to be finalised but an announcement is anticipated this summer.