§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what analysis has been carried out of alternative routes for traffic using the Tinsley viaduct; [44670]
656W(2) how many (a) cars, motorbikes and vans, (b) lorries and (c) camper-vans and caravans used the Tinsley Viaduct each day in the last 12 months; [44669]
(3) if he will list the work carried out on the Tinsley Viaduct on the MI in the last 30 years, in each case giving (a) the aim and nature of the works, (b) details of the Government body responsible, (c) the length of time the works took and (d) the costs of the works; [44667]
(4) what his estimate is of the change in the level of traffic on the Tinsley Viaduct on the MI following the planned return to three lanes of traffic; [44671]
(5) what works are planned on the Tinsley Viaduct on the MI. [44668]
§ Mr. ByersI have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Tim Matthews to Mrs. Theresa May, dated 25 March 2002:
The Secretary of State for Transport, Stephen Byers, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about Tinsley Viaduct on the M1. The Highways Agency has the responsibility for this structure.In addition to routine maintenance of the structure, major works were carried out between 1976 and 1980 to strengthen the structure following the report of the Merrison Committee into box girder bridges. The Viaduct has also been rewaterproofed and repainted during the 30 year period. Records are no longer available to enable me to provide details of the duration and costs of these works.The Highways Agency has recently awarded (a contract) to Edmund Nuttall to assess the extent of strengthening works needed to allow the viaduct to carry 3-lanes of traffic in each direction. This investigation started on 25 February and will take up to four months to complete. Decisions on what works are necessary, will be taken in the light of this investigation.Traffic data for the viaduct is not available in the form you requested. However we do have total vehicle numbers for the year 2000, the last twelve month period for which figures are available:
- These are:
- Cars, motorbikes and vans including camper vans and caravans–31,486,086
- Lorries–9,897,218
- These figures equate to Average Annual Daily Traffic flows of 86,263 (cars, motorbikes and vans) and 27,115 (lorries).
Reinstating three traffic lanes in each direction is not expected to have any material effect on the volume of traffic using this section of the M1. The main benefit of restoring capacity will be the reduction of congestion at peak times. This will improve journey-time reliability and reduce accident risks associated with traffic queues on motorways.Several plans exist for diverting traffic onto alternative routes. They are applied in consultation with the police and depend upon the nature of the incident requiring a diversion. For example, local diversions from the top level of the Viaduct to the lower level, the A631, are used during periods of high winds and when accidents occur on the Viaduct. Wider diversions to direct traffic off the motorway at junctions in advance of the Viaduct are also available.When the Viaduct needs to be closed for roadworks, alternative traffic routes are agreed with the Local Highway Authorities. It is rarely necessary to close the Viaduct completely. Planned closures take place when traffic flows are reduced, usually at night.If you require any further infonnation, our Group Leader Phil Stanton, will be happy to assist you. He can be contacted at the Agency's offices at Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester M14BE or by telephone on 0161 930 5688.