To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the Highways Agency's plans to close the A303 in Somerset and Wiltshire for 14 weeks from February 2009; and if he will make a statement. (246132)

Following the Highways Agency's Public Information Days and Stakeholder Consultation, the agency has decided that a 14-week closure of the A303 is not the best way to effect the essential maintenance works required on the A303 Willoughby Hedge to Mere. The agency is currently undertaking a full review of the scheme, which will include the construction programme, the extent and type of works, and the need to reduce the impact and inconvenience of this work to road users and the general public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the proposed works to the A303 are not to be carried out in a manner that leaves one direction open to traffic; and if he will review the proposed working arrangements. (246152)

Maintenance work on the single carriageway section of the A303 between Willoughby Hedge and Mere is essential because of the increasing number of road defects requiring immediate attention, together with the poor condition of existing drainage systems.

Single-lane working was considered by the Highways Agency but was not pursued because of concerns about road worker safety, duration of the works and likely traffic delays.

Following the agency’s public information days and stakeholder consultation, the agency has decided that a 14 week closure of the A303 is not the best way to effect the essential maintenance works required on the A303 Willoughby Hedge to Mere. The agency is currently undertaking a full review of the scheme, which will include the construction programme, the extent and type of works and the need to reduce the impact and inconvenience of this work to road users and the general public.