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Highways Agency consultation on M11 improvements

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Douglas Alexander): I am today announcing a Highways Agency consultation on plans for widening the M11 between junctions 6-8.  Copies of the consultation documents have been placed in the libraries of the House.

Over the next two decades, the East of England is set to grow substantially in terms of both housing and jobs.  The draft East of England plan, which is currently out to consultation on my Right Honourable Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government's proposed modifications, contains full details.

This growth can only be accommodated by providing the necessary infrastructure in terms of effective road and rail links within the region and to London. In this context, my Department has been working with the Government Office for the East of England and developers to identify what road improvements might be needed in the region. Our analysis indicates that the M11 between junctions 6-8 will become very congested in the period before 2021 unless improvements are implemented. The expected growth of Stansted airport, including the possibility of a second runway, will add to that congestion

Regional growth and the expansion of Stansted airport will also impact on the West Anglia Main Line in the next two decades. The Eastern Regional Planning Assessment for the Railway, published in February 2006, took account of these factors in identifying the priorities and options for further development on this route up to 2021. 

My announcement today demonstrates the Government's commitment to the longer term development and economic prosperity of the East of England region and the need for strong transport links   Widening of the M11 is also important to the growth of Stansted airport and this consultation fits with BAA's parallel announcement today on its surface access strategy for a second runway.   In line with the policies in the Future of Air Transport White Paper, BAA will pay a contribution to the costs of these improvements to the extent that the airport will benefit.

In addition to options for widening the M11, the Highways Agency is also consulting on plans to improve the junction access to the airport from the M11 and A120.  The airport is expected to fully fund this development.

Further detailed work on M11 widening and junction access will be undertaken in light of the public consultations.

Delivered: 27 February 2007