Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by John Watts (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Transport.

Dept of Transport

Question: What are his plans for improving the M6 between junctions 11 to 16.

Answer: Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are his plans for improving the M6 between junctions 11 to 16; and if he will make a statement. [21232] Mr. Watts: We now intend to widen the M6 motorway between junctions 11 and 16 to dual four lanes by adding one lane to each side. Seventy per cent. less land will be needed, greatly reducing the impact of adjacent land and the local environment. A high standard of environmental measures will also be provide, including noise mounds and landscaping. Many properties close to the motorway will benefit from reductions in noise and 10 properties will be spared from demolition. Along with these benefits, we have also saved over 40 per cent. of the cost of the original scheme. To minimise congestion and diversion during construction and future maintenance, we have devised an innovative method of providing continuous hard shoulders at bridges. This will allow three lanes in each direction to be maintained for 90 per cent. of the time during the works. Most existing bridges will be retained, reducing disruption during construction to local communities. Widening will help to keep traffic moving and will encourage use of the motorway instead of less suitable local roads. The previous draft orders are being withdrawn.

Secondary information