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To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reasons advance warning was not given of the closure of the exit from the A1 at Newark to the A17 and A46; for what reasons 24-hour working is not taking place on the southbound carriageway of the A1 near Newark;...

Asked by

Greg Knight (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

3 February 2004

For answer on

11 February 2004

Answered on

11 February 2004

Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) for what reasons advance warning was not given of the closure of the exit from the A1 at Newark to the A17 and A46; [153243] (2) for what reasons 24-hour working is not taking place on the southbound carriageway of the A1 near Newark; [153244] (3) for what reasons and for how long the junction between the A1, A17 and A46 at Newark will be closed; and for what reasons the exit from the A1 at this point is closed; [153245] (4) for how long he expects the southbound carriageway of the A1 to be closed at Newark. [153246] Dr. Howells: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Archie Robertson to write to the right hon. Member. Letter from Archie Robertson to Mr. Greg Knight, dated 11 February 2004: I have been asked by the Transport Minister, Kim Howells, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about road closures as a result of work being carried out on the A1 Trunk Road at Newark. The major resurfacing scheme on both carriageways of the A1 at Newark is taking place on a heavily trafficked section of road, which includes a busy interchange (with A46/A17) and is situated close to built-up areas. As such, the work is inevitably subject to certain constraints. There are two sets of warning signs informing drivers of the closure of the slip roads at Newark, on both the north and southbound carriageways of the A1, together with signs to follow the appropriate diversion routes. Advance signs are also situated on all approach roads to the slip roads, again with diversion signs in place giving instructions on how to access the A1. Additional signs, over and above those required to meet statutory requirements, were erected on the diversion routes on 16 January to give greater clarity for users of the diversions. In order to maintain traffic flow, both north and southbound, contraflow working is being used. For safety reasons, and to allow a smooth flow of traffic through the contraflow lengths, the slip roads to the A46/A17 need to be closed. Some resurfacing is also being carried out on the slip roads themselves. Although the southbound carriageway was reopened on 1 February, it is now subject to contraflow working whilst the northbound carriageway is dealt with. Unfortunately, it is not possible to undertake this work on a 24-hour basis due to the close proximity of residential property. For environmental reasons Newark and Sherwood District Council have placed restrictions on working after 10pm so that local people do not suffer undue noise nuisance overnight. I am pleased to say that good progress is being made with the resurfacing and all work is on target to be completed by the 16 March. The Agency regrets any disruption that these essential maintenance works may have caused. Wherever possible, we do try to keep this to a minimum and give advance publicity locally. I note, from these and previous questions you have asked, that you frequently use the north--south route, either via the A1 or M1. If you would like any further information the Agency's Route Manager, Graham Littlechild, will be more than happy to assist you. Please let him know if you would like to be included on a circulation list for advance publicity when works of this kind are proposed on these routes in the future. He can be contacted at our offices at Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1BL, or by telephone on 0121 678 8034.

Date

11 February 2004

Reference

417 c1453W;417 c1453-4W; 153243;153244;153245;153246

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what further developments are planned to improve the safety and capacity of junctions on the stretch of the A43 between junction 15A of the M1 and junction 10 of the M40. - Inc text of letter from Archie Robertson of Highways Agency.

Asked by

Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative)

Answering body

Department for Transport

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

12 December 2003

For answer on

18 December 2003

Answered on

18 December 2003

Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further developments are planned to improve the safety and capacity of junctions on the stretch of the A43 between junction 15A of the M1 and junction 10 of the M40. [144480] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the Chief Executive of Highways Agency, Mr. Archie Robertson, to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Archie Robertson to Mr. Tim Boswell, dated 18 December 2003: I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what further developments are planned to improve safety and the capacity of junctions on the A43 between Junction 15A of the M1 and Junction 10 of the M40. There were 3 improvement schemes on the A43: A43 M40-- B4031 dualling; A43 Whitfield Turn--Brackley Hatch Improvement and the A43 Silverstone Bypass scheme which were all opened to traffic in September 2002. These schemes have already relieved many of the safety and capacity issues on the A43. Further developments include: A Route Management Strategy (RMS) is currently being developed for the complete length of the A43 trunk road between M1 J15A and M40 J10 as part of an RMS studying the length of the A43 and A45 route between the M40 and A14. An accident analysis study is currently in progress at the A43/M40 J10. This study is due to report in the spring of 2004. A broader ranging study to examine congestion factors at A43/M40 J10 is planned for 2004-05. A study into the short term and long-term options to relieve congestion at A43/A5 Tove junction is due to report in 2004. Investigation of improved traffic signing and road markings at A43 Blisworth/Tiffield junctions. If you would like to discuss any of these issues in more detail, you are welcome to contact the Highways Agency's Route Manager, Steve Davy, 49/53 Goldington Road, Bedford, MK40 3LL or via e-mail at steve.davy@highways.gsi.gov.uk

Date

18 December 2003

Reference

415 c1009-10W; 144480

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what accidents have taken place in the last 10 years on the A419 between (a) Cirencester and Swindon and (b) Cirencester and Nettleton Bottom due to cross-over accidents; and what plans he has to review the types of central reservation. - Including...

Asked by

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

1 December 2003

For answer on

9 December 2003

Answered on

9 December 2003

Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what accidents have taken place in the last 10 years on the A419 between (a) Cirencester and Swindon and (b) Cirencester and Nettleton Bottom due to cross- over accidents; and what plans he has to review the types of central reservation. [142011] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Archie Robertson, to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Archie Robertson to Mr. Geoffrey Clifton- Brown dated 9 December 2003: I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about cross-over accidents on the A419 between Cirencester and Swindon and Cirencester and Nettleton Bottom. On the A419 between Cirencester and Swindon, three cross- over accidents occurred between April 1996 and September 2003. There were no such accidents on the Cirencester to Nettleton Bottom section of the road during the same period. One of these accidents was on a section of road which, due to design constraints, is without central reserve safety fencing. An improvement to the route at this location is included in the Government's Targeted Programme of Improvements. A second accident occurred on the section of the road through Cricklade where, at the time of the accident, there was no safety fencing in place. However, the Agency has recently completed an improvement scheme which included the provision of safety fencing at this location. The third, and most recent accident occurred at a location with safety fencing. We are investigating and reviewing the causes.

Date

9 December 2003

Reference

142011; 415 c428-9W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the wind speeds at the M48 Severn Bridge were at (a) 05:00, (b) 07:00, (c) 09:00, (d) 11:00, (e) 13:00 and (f) 15:00 hours on 3rd November. - Inc figures and text of letter from Stephen Hickey of the Highways Agency.

Asked by

Huw Edwards (Labour)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

17 November 2003

For answer on

20 November 2003

Answered on

20 November 2003

Mr. Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the wind speeds at the M48 Severn Bridge were at (a) 05:00, (b) 07:00, (c) 09:00, (d) 11:00, (e) 13:00 and (f) 15:00 hours on 3 November. [139938] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Stephen Hickey, to write to my hon. Friend. Letter from Stephen Hickey to Mr. Huw Edwards, dated 20 November 2003: I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about wind speeds at the M48 Severn Bridge on Monday 3 November 2003. The maximum recorded wind speed gusts at the times requested were: 05.00-38.44 knots 07.00-29.26 knots 09.00-22.01 knots 11.00-26.52 knots 13.00-31.06 knots 15.00-21.54 knots As you know the Severn Bridge was closed from 05.10 on Sunday 2 November until 16.00 on Monday 3 November. Throughout this period forecasts were consistently in excess of 30 knots. The protocol then in place required that closures should remain in place until the gust wind speed had fallen and remained below 30 knots for 30 minutes and the forecast did not predict wind speeds increasing to over 30 knots within the next 4 hours. As part of the process for continual improvement of our service, our protocol was subsequently reviewed at a meeting on Friday 14 November. The protocol was amended with immediate effect so that in future the closure shall remain in place until the gust wind speed has fallen and remains below 30 knots for 30 minutes and the forecast does not predict wind speeds increasing to over 40 knots within the next 4 hours.

Date

20 November 2003

Reference

139938; 413 c1462-3W;413 c1458-9W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what weight restrictions are in place on trunk roads; which trunk roads have weight restrictions placed on them. - Inc table and text of letter from Stephen Hickey of the Highway Agency.

Asked by

Jackie Lawrence (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Transport

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

12 November 2003

For answer on

19 November 2003

Answered on

19 November 2003

Mrs. Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what weight restrictions are in place on trunk roads; [139078] (2) which trunk roads have weight restrictions placed on them. [139079] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Stephen Hickey, to write to my hon. Friend. Letter from Stephen Hickey to Mrs. Jackie Lawrence, dated 19 November 2003: I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about weight restrictions on trunk roads. The trunk road network in England, which is the responsibility of the Highways Agency, has very few permanent and temporary weight restrictions below the 40 tonne requirement in place, following a programme of strengthening work that has been carried out in recent years. The locations where restrictions are currently in place are listed in Table 1. Weight restrictions below 40 tonnes _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Trunk road/structure Weight limit (tonnes) Temporary/ permanent A282 Dartford Crossing (offside lane of east 3 Permanent tunnel) A282 Dartford Crossing (offside lane of west 7.5 Permanent tunnel) M5 Junctions 27-28 7.5 Temporary M4 Junctions 16-18 7.5 Temporary _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

19 November 2003

Reference

413 c931W; 139078;139079

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on the closure of the M4 and Severn Bridge on 2nd to 3rd November; what criteria were used in deciding on the closure; and whether the revised protocol by the steering group was applied. - Includes...

Asked by

Huw Edwards (Labour)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

4 November 2003

For answer on

13 November 2003

Answered on

13 November 2003

Mr. Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the closure of the M4 and Severn Bridge on 2-3 November; what criteria were used in deciding on the closure; and whether the revised protocol by the steering group was applied. [137065] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Stephen Hickey, to write to my hon. Friend. Letter from Stephen Hickey to Mr. Huw Edwards, dated 13 November 2003: I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question regarding the closure of the M4 and Severn Bridge on 2 to 3 November 2003. The Highways Agency took the decision to close the M48 Severn Bridge at 05.10 hours on Sunday 2 November when the wind was recorded as gusting in excess of 40 knots. The bridge reopened at 16.00 hours on Monday 3 November. The revised protocol by the steering group was applied; this protocol can be seen at Table 1. The M4 Second Severn Crossing was not closed. Table 1 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Gust wind speed (Knots) Threshold requirement (i.e. criteria set Response (i.e. Action to be Taken) within the monitoring equipment) 30 30 Knots exceeded six times within any 10 All matrix signs to be set to indicate minute period 40MPH 35 35 Knots exceeded three times in any Alternate matrix signs to be amended to 10-minute period. Leeward lane identified indicate leeward lane closed in each by wind direction direction. 40 40 Knots exceeded six times in any 10 Introduce height restriction strategy, (if minute period unavailable close to all traffic) Decreasing No gust has exceeded 30 knots within 30 Seek authority to remove the imposed minute period restrictions _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

13 November 2003

Reference

413 c437-8W; 137065

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many accidents there have been in the roadworks on the M5 between junctions 21 and 20 since they began in October that have resulted in delays for drivers of more than 20 minutes. - Includes figures. Includes text of letter from...

Asked by

Adrian Flook (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

13 November 2003

Reference

137378; 413 c437-8W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what safety measures he will put in place on the A36 through Plaitford and West Wellow in (a) financial year 2003-04 and (b) the next financial year and beyond. - Includes text of letter from Stephen Hickey of the Highways Agency.

Asked by

Robert Key (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

5 November 2003

For answer on

13 November 2003

Answered on

13 November 2003

Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safety measures he will put in place on the A36 through Plaitford and West Wellow in (a) financial year 2003-04 and (b) the next financial year and beyond. [137463] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Stephen Hickey, to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Stephen Hickey to Mr. Robert Key, dated 13 November 2003: I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what safety measures will be put in place on the A36 through Plaitford and West Wellow in this financial year, the next financial year and beyond. The Highways Agency has identified a number of schemes that will improve the safety on this length of road. Many of these measures are outlined in the draft A36 Plaitford to West Wellow Speed and Safety Study sent to you for comment on 26 September. During this financial year, signing improvements on both approaches to Blackhill Road have been completed. Works to improve the bus stop at Whinwhistle Road, providing raised kerbs, a new shelter and extended footway have also been completed. Also work is currently ongoing to install 2 safety cameras at Whinwhistle Road junction. Construction of a Toucan crossing at the eastern arm of Canada Common roundabout is planned subject to funding. Schemes proposed for the next financial year involve the reduction of vehicle speeds through Plaitford by signing, road markings and vehicle-activated signs. The provision of a vehicle- activated sign to warn of queues at the Whinwhistle Road junction is also planned. Alterations to the width of the circulatory carriageway on Canada Common roundabout is proposed to reduce vehicle speeds and surface treatments are planned to reinforce speed limits. Schemes being investigated for possible inclusion in future programmes include the provision of controlled and uncontrolled crossings along this length of road, and the reduction of the existing 50mph speed limit through Plaitford to 40mph.

Date

13 November 2003

Reference

137463; 413 c435W

House

House of Commons

Davies of Oldham, Lord

What plans they have to upgrade the A14 trunk road between Felixstowe and the A1; and what are the timescale and costs anticipated for any such upgrading [HL 5215] - Inc figures and text of letter from Richard Bennett of the Highways Agency.

Asked by

Lord Marlesford (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

10 November 2003

Reference

HL 5215; 654 c169-70WA

House

House of Lords

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will list the (a) current and (b) projected roadworks on the M5 motorway between Bristol and Tiverton; and how long each section of work is expected to take. - Includes text of letter from Richard Bennett of the Highways Agency;...

Asked by

Adrian Flook (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

27 October 2003

For answer on

4 November 2003

Answered on

4 November 2003

Mr. Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the (a) current and (b) projected roadworks on the M5 motorway between Bristol and Tiverton; and how long each section of work is expected to take. [135423] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Stephen Hickey, to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Richard Bennett to Mr Adrian Flook, dated 4 November 2003: I am writing on behalf of Stephen Mickey, who has been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the current and projected roadworks on the M5 motorway The Highways Agency has a four-year rolling programme of works. This includes resurfacing (including overlay of concrete roads), the upgrade of signs and safety fence installations well as improvements to reduce congestion. Those works due to begin in this financial year are listed in Table 1. Those due to start in the next financial year are still subject to decisions on funding and prioritisation before a list can be provided. Table 1 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Scheme title and location Approximate works duration Works currently undertaken M5 Junction 20-21 Resurfacing Eight weeks Works to be undertaken in 2003-04 M5 Junction 26-27 Concrete Resurfacing 13 weeks (starts March 04) M5 Signing Upgrade Rolling Programme M5 Junction 19 Park and Ride Signing Four weeks _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

4 November 2003

Reference

135423; 412 c536W;412 c542W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what costs the Highways Agency has borne in dealing with illegal occupations of its land at Foston, Derbyshire in the last 12 months. - Inc text of letter from Stephen Hickey of the Highways Agency and that total cost is not yet...

Asked by

Mark Todd (Labour)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

3 November 2003

Reference

134709; 412 c391W;412 c399W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to monitor traffic congestion in North Warrington with particular reference to the Winwick area, while repairs to the Thelwall viaduct are being carried out; when he expects the repair work being carried out on the Thelwall viaduct...

Asked by

Helen Jones (Labour)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

14 October 2003

For answer on

20 October 2003

Answered on

20 October 2003

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to monitor traffic congestion in North Warrington with particular reference to the Winwick area, while repairs to the Thelwall viaduct are being carried out; [132685] (2) when he expects the repair work being carried out on the Thelwall viaduct to be completed. [132686] Mr. McNulty: I have asked the acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, to write to my hon. Friend on these matters. Letter from Keith Miller to Ms Helen Jones dated 20 October 2003: Tony McNulty has asked Stephen Hickey, Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to reply to your two recent Parliamentary Questions about traffic congestion in North Warrington, arising from ongoing works to the M6 Motorway Thelwall Viaduct, and the expected timescale for completion of those works. Stephen is currently away on official business and I am writing on his behalf. The Highways Agency is responsible for the operation, management, maintenance, and improvement, of the trunk road and motorway network in England, including the M6 Thelwall Viaduct. As you may be aware, the Agency's ongoing works are to replace 140 support bearings, following the discovery, during a routine inspection in July 2002, of a single failed support bearing on the viaduct carrying northbound traffic. All but one lane of that particular viaduct was then closed, and traffic is now carried on this single lane allowing access to Warrington at Junction 21, and on six reduced-width lanes on the viaduct carrying southbound traffic (three lanes in each direction) in contraflow, with a 40mph speed limit. Detailed investigations were urgently carried out and these revealed other failures in the bridge support bearings. The Agency is conscious that traffic is diverting onto the local road network, including the Winwick area, as a result of the ongoing works and is working closely with Warrington Borough Council on this issue. Data is being collected by both the Council and the Agency to assess the impact of the traffic diversions. Our aim is to re-open the northbound viaduct as soon as is practicable, and expect to complete the repair works by Spring 2005. However, we are in discussions with the Contractor to identify whether an earlier completion date for the works is possible. I hope this is helpful. If you would like any further information on this matter, please contact the Agency's Project Manager for the viaduct repairs, David Brindle, Room 803, Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester M1 4BE telephone 0161 930 5653.

Date

20 October 2003

Reference

411 c355-6W;411 c359-60W; 132685;132686

House

House of Commons

Davies of Oldham, Lord

How many weeks during the past five years parts of the M1 motorway had carriageways or hard shoulders coned off between junctions 23A and 25; and whether they will commission experts and advisors to instruct the local engineers and administrators on how to make structural changes to the carriageway in...

Asked by

Lord Jopling (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 September 2003

Reference

652 c172-4WA; HL 4361

House

House of Lords

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will list the (a) dates and (b) areas over the last 10 years, that roadworks have taken place for more than two weeks' duration on the A12 between the M25 turnoff and Wivenhoe, Essex. - Including text of letter from...

Asked by

Simon Burns (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

15 September 2003

Reference

128824; 410 c497W;410 c503W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what contractual arrangements there are for the clearing of ragwort from highway land along (a) the A21, (b) the A259 and (c) other trunk roads in the Bexhill and Battle constituency; and what the cost has been in (i) the last financial...

Asked by

Lord Barker of Battle (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

15 July 2003

For answer on

17 July 2003

Answered on

17 July 2003

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contractual arrangements there are for the clearing of ragwort from highway land along (a) the A21, (b) the A259 and (c) other trunk roads in the Bexhill and Battle constituency; and what the cost has been in (i) the last financial year and (ii) this financial year to date. [126957] Mr. Jamieson: I have asked the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Richard Bennett to Mr. Gregory Barker, dated 17 July 2003: I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the clearance of ragwort along the A21, the A259 and other trunk roads in your constituency. The clearance of ragwort on the trunk road network is carried out by the Highways Agency's Managing Agent Contractor as pan of their routine maintenance responsibilities. They carry out daily routine inspections of the network 10 identify general defects on the network including the presence of ragwort. Areas affected by ragwort are sprayed using herbicide during the main growing season and where appropriate cutting or weeding by hand of affected areas is also carried out, usually three times a year. Priority is given to the control of ragwort on highway land which is adjacent to or near agricultural or grazing land. The only trunk roads in the Bexhill and Battle areas are the A21 and A259. All other roads in the area are local roads for which East Sussex County Council is responsible as the local highway authority. The removal of ragwort alongside these roads is a matter for the local highway authority to consider. Ragwort is a growing problem on the truck road network and we have recently issued a press release which sets out how we intend to combat the problem. I enclose a copy of the press release for your information. You will see from the press release we spend in the region of one million annually to control ragwort. The managing agent for this area changed on lst June and we have not been able to identify the cost of clearing ragwort on the specific routes you identify. However, expenditure so far this year for the area covered by the contractor (Kent, Surrey, West and East Sussex) is estimated at around £30,000. I hope this is helpful. News release Pretty But Poisonous: Highways Agency Tackles Ragwort Ragwort's bright yellow flowers are a colourful sight on roadside verges, but the plant has a more sinister side. Livestock in Britain are at risk of poisoning from common ragwort, so the Highways Agency is working to reduce ragwort growth on the verges of England's motorways and major trunk roads and to prevent the plant from spreading its seed. Ragwort grows through two distinct stages--the rosette stage from germination to the end of May and the stem-flower stage from June onwards. The roserte stage is the early stage of growth where the ragwort is less noticeable but still poisonous with a dense rosette of leaves close to the ground. The Highways Agency is using a two-step attack to deal with both stages of growth. The rosettes are being sprayed with an herbicide during May and June, and later, contractors will return to hand pull the older, more mature plants to prevent their seeds being dispersed. The Highways Agency's environmental policy advisor Tony Sangwine said: "Ragwort is a difficult plant to combat as it is almost impossible to eradicate, at best it can be controlled. The seeds are very robust and can lie dormant in the soil for up to 20 years and so Ragwort grows unexpectedly in many different places. They can be carried for miles in the wind, and so as part of our work to control the problem, we encourage landowners to remove Ragwort from their land to try and prevent reinvasion. The Highways Agency takes this perennial problem very seriously as Common Ragwort can pose a serious threat to equines and livestock, and there is no specific treatment once an animal shows symptoms of poisoning." The Highways Agency spends in the region of £1 million each year to help control the spread of Ragwort along the 5,841 miles of trunk roads and motorways it operates in England, and supports the British Horse Society's (BHS) annual `Ragwort Action Week' campaign. Notes to Editors 1. The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of transport. More information is available at www.highways.gov.uk 2. Sections of the following route verges will be timetabled for treatment: A27, A249, M20, M23 3. Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) is one of the five injurious weeds specified in the Weeds Act 1959. Landowners have a duty of care to prevent it spreading. 4. Ragwort is normally a biennial (rosette--spring 1st year; flowering--July/August 2 year). The rosette stage is the early stage of growth where the ragwort is at it's most poisonous and has a dense rosette of leaves close to the ground. In the stem-flower stage, the plant grows between 30cm and 100cm high with clustered bright yellow flowers. 5. Each plant can produce up to 150,000 seeds with a 70% germination rate. Ragworts seeds can be domant in the soil for up to 20 years. 6. Equines and bovines are more susceptible to Ragwort poisoning that other livestock Little can be done for the animal once the symptoms appear. Young animals are more susceptible than mature animals. 7. Ragwort acts as a cumulative poison, eventually destroying the liver. A small intake of ragwort over a long period can be just as damaging as a large intake on a single occasion. Issued by Highways Agency's South East Press and PR Office. Media enquiries to: Melese Glazer on 01306 878 110 melese.glazer@highways. gsi.gov.uk or Cosima Duggal on 01306 878 42442 cosima.duggal@highways. gsi.gov.uk

Date

17 July 2003

Reference

126957; 409 c615-7W

House

House of Commons

Davies of Oldham, Lord

What plans they have to improve the road between Southport and Ormskirk (A570) following the amalgamation and transfer of services between Southport Hospital and Ormskirk Hospital under the Ormskirk and Southport Health Trust. [HL 3603]. - Inc text of letter from Stephen Hickey of the Highways Agency.

Asked by

Lord Fearn (Liberal Democrat)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

7 July 2003

Reference

651 c18-9WA; HL 3603

House

House of Lords

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects construction work to begin on the planned dualling of the A46 Fosse Way between Widmerpool and Newark-on-Trent; when he expects construction work to commence on the planned dualling of the A453 trunk road between Keyworth and Clifton in Nottinghamshire....

Asked by

Lord Clarke of Nottingham (Conservative)

Answering body

Department for Transport

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

10 June 2003

For answer on

18 June 2003

Answered on

18 June 2003

Mr. Kenneth Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he expects construction work to begin on the planned dualling of the A46 Fosse Way between Widmerpool and Newark-on-Trent; [119171] (2) when he expects construction work to commence on the planned dualling of the A453 trunk road between Kegworth and Clifton in Nottinghamshire. [119172] I Mr. Darling :[holding answer 13 June 2003]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the right hon. Member. Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Kenneth Clarke, dated 18 June 2003: I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Transport to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the start dates for construction work on the proposed dualling schemes on the A46 between Widmerpool and Newark and the A453 between Kegworth and Clifton in Nottinghamshire. Public consultation on our preferred option for the A46 scheme commenced at the end of March this year and local exhibitions were held in April. The public consultation period ends on 20 June 2003. The future programme depends on how quickly the various statutory processes can be completed but we are currently planning to announce a preferred route in Spring 2004, with a start of works sometime during 2007. The proposals for the A53 scheme are at an early stage. As a result of recommendations made in the A453 Nottingham to M1 Multi-Modal Study, the Secretary of State for Transport announced last December that he was minded to include a scheme in the Targeted Programme of Improvements (TPI). At the same time, he asked the Highways Agency to carry out further preliminary assessment work. Assuming that a scheme is included in the TPI later this year, construction work is currently scheduled to commence in 2008. As with the A46, achievement of this date is subject to the satisfactory completion of the required statutory procedures. If you would like any further details about these proposals, our staff would be pleased to help. The Project Manager for the A46 scheme is Geoff Bethel and the Project Sponsor for the A453 scheme is John Holt. Both can be contacted at the Agency's offices at Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1BL; Geoff on 0121 678 8137 and John on 0121 678 8314.

Date

18 June 2003

Reference

119171;119172; 407 c220-1W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) original projected total cost and (b) the final cost of Phases 1a, 1b and 2 of the A50 road construction in Stoke-on-Trent was. - Includes table and text of letter from Tim Matthews of the Highways Agency.

Asked by

George Stevenson (Labour)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

10 June 2003

For answer on

17 June 2003

Answered on

17 June 2003

Mr. Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) original projected total cost and (b) the final cost of Phases 1a, 1b and 2 of the A50 road construction in Stoke-on-Trent was. [119153] 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. Stevenson, dated 17 June 2003: I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the original and final costs of Phases 1A, 1B and 2 of the A50 road construction in Stoke-on-Trent. The A50 Blythe Bridge to Queensway scheme was constructed under separate contracts for each of the 3 phases. The costs were as follows: £ million _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Original tender cost Final outturn cost Phase 1A 23.072 41.815 Phase IB 28.414 50.015 Phase 2 21.307 30.706 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. If you would like further information, the Agency's Project Sponsor for the A50 scheme is Frank Hayes He can be contacted at our offices at Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1BL, or by telephone on 0121 678 8382.

Date

17 June 2003

Reference

119153; 407 c104W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps were taken to co-ordinate the roadworks being carried out on the M1 Motorway north of Junction 26 with those underway south of Junction 25 on the same motorway. - Includes text of letter from Tim Matthews of the Highways Agency.

Asked by

Greg Knight (Conservative)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

10 June 2003

For answer on

17 June 2003

Answered on

17 June 2003

Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps were taken to co-ordinate the road works being carried out on the M1 Motorway north of Junction 26 with those under way south of Junction 25 on the same motorway. [119116] Mr. Darling: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the right hon. Member. Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Greg Knight, dated 17 June 2003: I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Transport to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the co-ordination of roadworks on the M1 Motorway north of Junction 26 and south of Junction 25. There are currently two major sets of roadworks in progress between Junctions 24 and 27 of the M1. These are the Junction 24 to 25 maintenance scheme and a project to install an improved motorway communications system between Junctions 24 and 27. As David York mentioned in his letter of 9th April in response to your previous question on this subject, the two schemes were combined in order to co-ordinate the work and minimise disruption to road users. Both schemes were awarded to the same contractor, Geoffrey Osborne Ltd. As I am sure you will appreciate, there are advantages with this approach. As well as economies of scale, the work can be more efficiently organised and the contractor is allowed greater flexibility to co-ordinate the different type of work involved and reduce the length of time taken to complete the contract. The maintenance scheme is now due for completion in August and the communications work in Spring 2004. I should also mention that work to provide noise barriers and safety fencing at Junction 28 is due to start in late July and last for about 12 weeks. This will involve occasional night time closures of lane 1 with an associated 50 mph speed limit. If you would like further information, Iftikhar Mir, the Agency's Route Manager for this part of the M1, would be pleased to help. He can be contacted at our offices at Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1BL, or by telephone on 0121 678 8025.

Date

17 June 2003

Reference

119116; 407 c109-10W

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport;Highways Agency

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects work on the Thelwall viaduct on the M6 will be completed; and who will bear the costs incurred. - Inc text of letter from Tim Matthews of Highways Agency.

Asked by

Neil Turner (Labour)

Answering body

Highways Agency

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

19 May 2003

For answer on

10 June 2003

Answered on

10 June 2003

Mr. Neil Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects work on the Thelwall viaduct on the M6 will be completed; and who will bear the costs incurred. [115245] 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. Neil Turner, dated 10 June 2003: I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about on-going works to the northbound bridge of the M6 Motorway Thelwall Viaduct, in Warrington, Cheshire. As you may be aware, this matter was the subject of an Adjournment Debate in the House on 12 May, secured by Helen Southworth MP. The Highways Agency is responsible for the operation, management, maintenance, and improvement, of the trunk road and motorway network in England, including the Thelwall Viaduct, which typically carries some 150,000--160,000 vehicles per day. All but one lane of the viaduct carrying northbound traffic was closed in July 2002 following the discovery of a failed roller bearing. Detailed investigations were urgently earned out and these revealed other failures in the bridge roller bearings. Continuing intensive investigations found that all 136 roller bearings on the northbound viaduct should be replaced, before further traffic lanes can be opened on that structure. As you may be aware, the Minister stated during the Adjournment Debate, that it might take until March 2005 to complete all the remedial work. The Minister also acknowledged that the cost of the remedial work is likely to be substantial, but did not wish to say anything further on that aspect, given that the question of liability for the failed roller bearings is likely to be decided through litigation and the courts. Notwithstanding that, he also said that funds would be made available to the Agency to enable the remedial work to be carried out. The current restrictions comprise three narrow lanes in each direction on the new southbound viaduct and a single lane on the northbound viaduct, to facilitate traffic leaving the M6 at Junction 21, for Warrington. There are advance warning signs on all the motorway approaches to the works advising of likely delays, but there is no convenient diversion route using the motorway network. We will continue to monitor traffic patterns closely and keep under review all possible diversion routes to mitigate the effect of the restrictions. Laboratory testing and investigations into how the roller bearings have failed is substantially complete. These findings are being used to inform the design process for the replacement of the bearings and associated works required to bring the structure back fully into long-term service. The Agency is conscious of the need to re-open the northbound viaduct as soon as is practicable, and is investigating the possibility of phasing the work to secure the early release of additional traffic lanes on that structure. I hope this is helpful. If you would like any further information about this matter, you may wish to contact the Agency's Project Manager for the viaduct repairs, David Brindle, Room 406, Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, Ml 4BE (Tel 0161 930 5653).

Date

10 June 2003

Reference

115245; 406 c741-2W

House

House of Commons

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