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Dept for Transport

Answer

Mr. Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost was of the acoustic screening erected within the last three years on both sides of the M1, north and south of Junction 11; what noise-level studies led to their installation; and what the results of those studies were. [195947] Mr. Jamieson: In September 2003 the Highways Agency completed the first phase of a scheme to provide acoustic fences on both sides of the M1 at Junction 11 at Luton. Because of the cost and complexity of the scheme, the work is being carried out in two phases. The cost of completing Phase 1 was £2.4 million. Phase 2 is due to start this month with completion expected in April 2005. The cost for Phase 2 is estimated at £1.9 million. In March 1999 the Government established revised criteria and a ring-fenced annual budget of £5 million to deal with some of the most serious and pressing cases of traffic noise on existing trunk roads. A written reply to a parliamentary question raised by Mr Jonathan Shaw MP, published on 11 November 1999, Official Report, column 681, contained a letter from Lawrie Haynes, the then chief executive of the Highways Agency, identifying those locations where previous concerns about noise had been expressed which were found to satisfy the new criteria (location list known as the "Hansard" list). The Ml between Junctions 10 and 11 and between Junctions 11 and 12 were included on the list. In September 1999, the agency commissioned its managing agents to carry out a detailed study of noise conditions between Junctions 10 and 12 of the Ml at Luton. The study report identified 772 properties in an area chiefly concentrated around Junction 11 with a noise greater than 68 dB(A). The report concluded that through the provision of noise barriers over extended lengths and varying in height between two and three metres, it would be feasible to provide substantial noise reducing benefits for many properties. 280 properties would receive a noise reduction of at least 3 dB(A); equivalent to a halving of the traffic. Another 492 properties would receive a smaller but nonetheless tangible benefit as a result of the scheme.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

195947; 426 c710W;426 c714-5W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Costs Pollution control Noise Motorways Roads Walls and fences M1

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk