Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance on the duration and timing of works Highways England gives to its contractors operating on the M3 between junctions 2 and 4a.

There is a contractual agreement between Highways England and its contractor to achieve best value for money in meeting the timescales specified in Highways England’s Delivery Plan. This outlines the legislation, standards, guidance and criteria to adhere to, including shift patterns and ensuring minimal disruption to the travelling public and to the local neighbourhood.

Highways England also dictates the periods when additional lane or full closure can only take place, which are usually overnight and depend on low traffic flows. The M3 J2-4a scheme is on target to open for traffic by 30 June 2017.