CHRIS HUHNE PRESSES FOR LOW NOISE SURFACE ON M3 AND M27 (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

CHRIS HUHNE PRESSES FOR LOW NOISE SURFACE ON M3 AND M27

February 2, 2009 10:10 AM

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne wants the cash savings from the M27 widening project to fund low noise tarmac surfaces on the motorways near West End and Eastleigh.

Mr Huhne, who joined Transport minister Lord Andrew Adonis for the official opening of the M27 widening between Junction 3 and the M3, congratulated Costain for completing the £50 million project on time and £4 million under its £50 million budget.

Mr Huhne said that the savings should be enough to tarmac the old sections of motorway that cause so much noise for residents in Robin Square and other parts of the Nightingale estate in Eastleigh, and in parts of West End.

"Now there are savings in the budget, it is time for ministers to make good their promises to put low noise surfaces on the M3 and M27" said Mr Huhne.

"The problem is the old concrete sections of motorway, which have ridges on them to help with grip and also have a join between the panels so that cars thud from one panel to another. Both features create far more noise than modern asphalt surfaces" said Mr Huhne.

"I raised the issue with Lord Adonis because it is probably the biggest single beef among local residents living near the motorway, and the savings on the widening contract would fit the bill perfectly in cutting the road surface noise.

"The Department for Transport used to have a budget for low noise resurfacing, and did some work on the M3 sections near Winchester. But ministers said that the money ran out when it came to Eastleigh and West End.

"It would only be fair now to complete the work and ensure that the motorway is an easier neighbour for residents who live along its route" said Mr Huhne.