§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they expect the Silverstone village bypass on the A43 to be finished in time for the British Grand Prix weekend of 5 to 7 July 2002; and whether they will ensure that the Highways Agency uses all its powers to assist Octagon Motorsports in completing the expansion to four lanes of the main Dadford Road access into the Silverstone circuit before that weekend. [HL2144]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe bypass is programmed to be open in July 2002. The exact time will depend upon the severity of the winter's weather. If it is not open as a public highway in time for the Grand Prix, much of it will be completed and, subject to certain conditions, could be made available for access to the circuit.
118WAThe Highways Agency is working closely with Octagon Motorsports. The agency has agreed the layout of the new roundabout on the bypass at Dadford Road to accommodate any improvements. However, improvements to Dadford Road itself, which is a local road, are a matter for agreement with the local highway and planning authorities.