Written question asked by Clare Short (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 July 1996. It was answered by Steve Norris (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 July 1996 on behalf of the Highways Agency.

Dept of Transport;Highways Agency

Question: When he expects the various contracts to upgrade the A406 (North Circular Road) at Sterling Way, Fore Street, Angel Road and Lea Valley Viaduct to be completed; what steps he is taking to overcome the delays announced on some of them. - Text of letter from Lawrie Haynes dated 18 July 1996 of Highways Agency.

Answer: Ms Short: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the various contracts to upgrade the A406--north circular road--at Sterling way, Fore street, Angel road and Lea valley viaduct to be completed; what steps he is taking to overcome the delays announced on some of them; and if he will make a statement.[36843] Mr. Norris: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Ms Clare Short, dated 18 July 1996: As you know I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the A406 London North Circular Road. There are three adjoining contracts to improve this road between Stirling Way and Hall Lane. Contract A, the Fore Street Underpass section, is expected to be completed in December 1997, Contract B, the Angel Road Viaduct section, is scheduled for completion in December 1996 and Contract C, the Lea Valley section should be finished in August this year. Delays have been caused by several factors including having to contend with uncharted essential utility service pipes and cables, unexpected ground conditions and unforeseen obstructions encountered during piling work. To try to overcome some of the problems, the Contractors are working longer hours, increasing resources and reviewing their methods and sequence of construction.

Secondary information