Roads: Construction

Gregory Barker
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been allocated for the construction of the proposed Bexhill to Hastings link road; and if he will make a statement.

Gillian Merron
The Bexhill to Hastings link road scheme was granted Programme Entry in December 2004 with an agreed departmental funding contribution of £47.12 million. In July 2006, we accepted the South East region’s advice that the scheme was a priority for the region at an increased cost of £48.5 million. However, it has since been reported that the estimated total cost of the scheme has increased to around £89 million. As a result, the South East region will need to decide whether it still wishes to prioritise funding for this scheme at its higher cost within its regional funding allocations. Should the region formally advise that the scheme continues to be a priority, it will then be subject to a re-appraisal and value for money assessment in accordance with the Department’s guidance before a final decision is taken on whether to provide additional funding for the scheme.