To ask the Minister for Infrastructure pursuant to AQW 902/17-22 and AQW 903/17-22, for an update on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Scheme, including up to date envisaged project milestones.

I am very aware of how important the A1 improvements are for all those who have lost loved ones or incurred injuries during incidents as well as the many people who have expressed their support for the scheme.

I am pleased to report that good progress continues to be made on the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme. The Statutory Orders for the scheme have been made with the Stopping Up (of Private Accesses) coming into operation on 24 June 2021 and the Direction Order coming into operation on 16 July 2021. The completion of the Statutory Orders is a major milestone for the project.

Work is currently ongoing on the preparation of an economic appraisal for the scheme. The next milestone would be the commencement of the procurement phase, including the preparation of contract documents. I am fully committed to progressing this project at pace and will be considering the next steps following the completion of the economic appraisal and the outcome of Spending Review 2021