Written question asked by Lord Stratford (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 March 1996. It was answered by John Watts (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 March 1996 on behalf of the Highways Agency.

Dept of Transport;Highways Agency

Question: What is the estimated cost to the Highways Agency for constructing the proposed Newbury by-pass on stilts over the Kennet and Lambourn Valleys; and what is the estimated cost for building the by-pass on an embankment over these two river valleys. - Text of letter from Lawrie Haynes of Highways Agency. (Holding answer 19 March 1996).

Answer: Mr. Tony Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated cost to the Highways Agency for constructing the proposed Newbury bypass on stilts over the Kennet and Lambourn valleys; and what is the estimated cost for building the bypass on an embankment over these two river valleys.[21599] Mr. Watts: [holding answer 19 March 1996]: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 20 March 1996: The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the estimated cost of constructing the proposed Newbury Bypass on stilts over the Kennet and Lambourn Valleys and the estimated cost of building the Bypass on an embankment over these two river valleys. The estimated costs of the embankment crossings that we propose to build over the Kennet and the Lambourn Rivers are £7.7m and £1.7m respectively. Were we to provide equivalent viaducts, the costs would be around £15m and £2.6m respectively. The Inspector who held the 1988 Inquiry rejected the concept of viaducts; our proposals reflect his recommendations.

Secondary information