Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reasons lay-bys on the A1 south of Newark are currently closed; and when he expects them to be re-opened to motorists.

The closure of the lay-bys on the A1 is part of a planned scheme to improve drainage and resurface the carriageway between Newark and Stamford, which is being carried out in stages. The first stage of this work, between Newark and Grantham, was carried out from 4 to 22 September and is now complete. The scheme is due to be completed by February 2018. As the scheme(s) along the A1 progresses there is potential for other lay-by closures and where possible these will be advertised in advance.

This work is generally carried out overnight, with the carriageway being closed from 8pm to 6am. In order to ensure that the scheduled works are carried out uninterrupted, lay-bys are fully closed for the duration of the works. This closure is to prevent vehicles, primarily HGV’s, from parking for long periods and being unable to leave the lay-by when the road is closed without disrupting the works.