Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Monday, 10 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 October 2011. It was answered by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Monday, 17 October 2011 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Roads: Gloucestershire

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Highways Agency on the duration of the proposed closure of the A4019 on the approach to Junction 10 of the M5; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 13 October 2011]: The proposed closure of the overbridge which carries the A4019 over the M5 at Junction 10 is necessary in order to replace the bridge. The foundations of the structure are suffering from sulphate attack which is reducing their strength, making replacement essential.The current works programme is based on keeping the A4019 open for traffic for the busy period during the Cheltenham Festival. The current estimated duration of works, allowing for demolition of the existing bridge and foundations and construction of a new two span bridge is 47 weeks. However, the Highways Agency will be inviting tenders for this work which will encourage contractors to reduce this duration as much as possible.I have discussed this project with the Highways Agency. I understand that they have been discussing it with the officers of Gloucestershire county council, the local highway authority, for two years. These discussions are ongoing and will continue to ensure that diversion routes and signage for the works are appropriate.

Secondary information