asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated cost of constructing one mile of motorway in the current financial year; and how much of this would be necessary if motorways were used only by cars.
Motorway construction costs vary widely, depending on the terrain through which the new road passes, the complexity of the work, and whether the location is urban or rural.For inter-urban motorway schemes—including those passing through urban areas—for which contracts have been let since 1973, the costs—at November 1978 prices—were:
- —in the range of £1·19 million to £4·49 million per mile for dual 2-lane motorways with a mean of £2·01 million.
- —in the range of £1·50 million to £5·26 million per mile for dual 3-lane motorways with a mean of £2·81 million.
Arrangements are being made to offer transport for those giving evidence who are unable to make their own arrangements to get to the inquiry. I shall be writing shortly to the hon. Member in response to his letter of 27th October on the same subject.