M6 EXPRESSWAY - FURTHER WORK COMMISSIONED
19 July 2005 - DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

Further work to consider the feasibility and impact of the proposed M6 Expressway has been commissioned, Minister for Transport Stephen Ladyman announced today.

The Expressway concept was proposed last July as an alternative to the planned widening of the M6 between Birmingham and Manchester. It would provide a tolled two-lane expressway in both directions, as opposed to the widening of the existing motorway by one lane in each direction, but could cause less disruption to traffic during construction.

The Government is clear that more road capacity is needed along this route. The issue is how best that capacity can be provided taking full account of the impact of construction - whether through a widening scheme or via an Expressway running broadly parallel to the existing route. The Highways Agency will now undertake detailed development work on the Expressway concept and on widening so that a decision can be taken on the preferred way forward as soon as possible, and enable the additional capacity to be provided without delay, consistent with addressing the environmental concerns.

Stephen Ladyman said:

''Having consulted on the idea of an Expressway, it is clear that there is no consensus. But the Expressway is at this stage only a concept, and more consideration needs to be given to the options before a decision can be made. I have therefore asked the Highways Agency to do further work on both options.

''I am clear that this very important route does need more capacity. By carrying out this further work, we will be able to look at the benefits and impacts of both schemes with a view to making a decision on a preferred option next year.''

www.dft.gov.uk

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