Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 19 September 2016 (HL1574), whether they will now publish in the Official Report the findings of the inquiry which was set up as a consequence of the escalation in costs for the A1 road improvement at Elkesley by 83 per cent to £13.6 million.

The outcome of Highways England’s review is set out below.

Highways England found that a number of unforeseen and additional areas of work were identified after award of the contract, which added to the programme, as well as the cost.

These include:

• Changes to the central pier design
• Removal and treatment of a previously unidentified old landfill site.
• The need to excavate old concrete and tarmac within the central reservation.
• The need for an additional drainage pond

Highways England has taken steps to minimize the risk of a repeat of the escalation in costs seen on this scheme.