Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether pollution mitigation measures will be incorporated into the (a) National Highways Lune Gorge bridge improvement project and (b) future major road infrastructure schemes.

A) Pollution mitigation measures to be incorporated into the National Highways Lune Gorge bridge improvement project.

The M6 Lune Gorge scheme involves the replacement of seven existing bridge decks close to the River Lune and its tributaries. National Highways has undertaken an accelerated review of drainage outfalls in the Lune Gorge area to complement the renewal works and better understand any potential water quality risks.

The review applied National Highways' standard water quality assessment tools and found no anticipated water quality risks resulting from the scheme. Therefore, no dedicated pollution mitigation measures are planned as a direct consequence of the bridge renewal works.

Regarding the construction work, pollution prevention measures have been developed to prevent deterioration of water quality, protect local ecology and minimise environmental risks.

B) Pollution mitigation measures for future major road infrastructure schemes.

The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), available online, sets out how all current and future National Highways’ major road infrastructure schemes assess, monitor, and mitigate pollution. Examples include standards on noise, air quality, and water quality.