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Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

Answer

Andrew Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions flooding has occurred on the stretch of the M60 between Denton and Hollinwood since it opened; how many accidents on this stretch have been attributed to flooding; who designed this stretch of motorway; what plans he has to undertake work to rectify design faults; and what estimate he has made of the cause of flooding in each case. [93420] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to my hon. Friend. Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Andrew Bennett, dated 29 January 2003: I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, to reply to your recent question about flooding on the M60 Motorway between Demon and Hollinwood. Since the M60 opened m October 2000, there have been no recorded occurrences of flooding caused by either failures of the motorway drainage system or overflow from external water courses. What has happened is that during periods of intense rainfall, excess water can collect on the surface of the carriageway. Whilst we are not aware of any accidents that have occurred as a result, there are anecdotal reports from drivers that this is a matter of concern. The section of motorway between Denton and Medlock was designed on behalf of the Highways Agency by Mouchel Consulting Ltd. The remaining length to Hollinwood was the subject of a Design and Build contract undertaken by Balfour Beatty who used Gifford and Partners to advise on the design. At present, we are not aware of any design faults to which the excess water could be attributed. However, mindful of our duty of care towards motorway users, suitable warning signs were erected in Autumn last year. Additionally, and working with Greater Manchester Police, we have made use of variable message signing which is currently being used to good effect by encouraging drivers to slow down and take extra care in wet conditions. Investigations are currently in hand to identify causes of the surface water problems and I will write to you again when we have a clearer picture.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

93420; 398 c934W;398 c928-30W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Construction Accidents Design Flood control Floods Standards Repairs and maintenance M60

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk