A66: Temple Sowerby Bypass

HL Deb 15 June 2004 vol 662 cc67-8WA

Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When work will begin on the A66 bypass at Temple Sowerby in Cumbria in view of the undertaking given at the public enquiry that work would begin in the spring of 2004. [HL3135]

Lord Davies of Oldham

At the public inquiry into the draft orders for the A66 Temple Sowerby bypass scheme in February 2003, the Highways Agency advised that the earliest date construction could start would be 2004. Following the public inquiry, the Secretary of State, in July 2003, having considered the independent inspector's report, decided to make the necessary orders under the Highways Act, to enable the Highways Agency to proceed with the scheme. The orders are expected to be made in Summer 2004, and the Highways Agency expects to appoint a contractor to begin the detailed design work with a view, subject to funding, to starting construction in 2005–06.