Lord Jopling – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Jopling on 2016-09-05.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 14 June (HL500), whether they intend to publish in the Official Record a summary of the findings of the lessons learnt review of the 83 per cent escalation of costs for the recent improvements to the A1 road close to Gamston Airport, and what steps they have taken to reduce the risk of similar occurrences.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The “Lessons Learned” workshop was completed on 8 June 2016 and is currently under review. There are some outstanding issues to be resolved regarding the possible requirement for permanent speed cameras, the agreement of alterations to a private access and the completion of road safety audit works, before it can be completed. Highways England intend to publish their findings on their website in due course.
To reduce the risks of similar occurrences, Highways England now has a greater focus on strategic planning with a five year plan of work. They are more able to ensure early contractor involvement more proactively in the development and construction of schemes. Highways England will take the lessons learned on the A1 Elkesley and ensure they are given due consideration in future schemes.
