A SCHEME set to transform a Hampshire motorway which will start today will not include any resurfacing work to reduce noise pollution.

Highways bosses said they will enhance and extend the existing noise barriers along the westbound section of the M27 near Allington Lane and Quob Lane, in West End, but will not replace the concrete section of the motorway between junctions five and seven as part of the smart motorway scheme.

They said they will replace the concrete with a lower noise surface, but made no guarantees of when this could happen.

West End residents said they have already waited too long for the work.

 

As previously reported, the smart motorway scheme will start on January 2 and will see the existing hard shoulder converted into a fourth lane and new CCTV cameras, electronic information signs and signals on gantries installed.

West End residents have been complaining for years about the traffic noise coming from the concrete section of the M27.

Bosses at Highways England said they are still committed to replace the concrete section of the motorway.

But Richard Gomer, borough councillor for West End North ward, said: “The noise and pollution caused by the concrete surface between junctions five and seven is of huge detriment to the quality of life of West End residents. Many cannot sit in their gardens or sleep with a window open.

“As a community, we are disappointed and angry that Highways England have reneged on their previous promise to resurface and have instead given us another flimsy commitment to resurface at some unspecified future date.

“West End residents are suffering right now and have waited more than long enough already.”

Cllr Gomer said in 2014 Mike Thornton, who was Eastleigh MP at the time, obtained funding and commitment for the resurfacing work to take place in 2016 but said the work was delayed to fit with the smart motorway scheme.

 

In November, current Eastleigh MP Mims Davies said residents had stressed the importance of addressing the concrete section of the M27 as part of the smart motorway scheme and following a meeting with Highways England representatives she said to be pleased to hear that that message had been received “loud and clear”.

At the time, Highways England said there were a couple of options that needed evaluating to decide on the best course of action.

Now a spokesperson for Highways England has said: “Upgrading the M27 to a smart motorway will bring real benefits to people’s journeys and by extending and enhancing noise barriers along the monotonal we expect to keep any noise impact to a minimum.

READ MORE

Major roundabout works set to resume on Monday >>>

M27 Smart Motorway roadworks set to start - and delays are expected >>>

“The road surface is not being replaced as part of the project as it still has significant useful life remaining.

“We are committed to replacing it with a lower noise surface when we have finished upgrading this section of the M27 to smart motorway.”

Ms Davies added: “As the local MP, I have been keeping the pressure on both Highways England and Ministers – meeting locally and in Westminster on numerous occasions throughout this year – and as a result achieved the commitment to deliver additional noise barriers as part of the Smart Motorway scheme as well as the recommitment to deal with the concrete section on the M27.

“I note that in order to make political points, many said that this wouldn’t be achieved.

“Nevertheless, I am aware of the significance of this work for the people that I represent, particularly those in Hedge End and West End, and I think it is really important that we remember that the concrete section of the M27 will be resurfaced, and I will continue to keep the pressure on to ensure that works take place as soon as possible.

“I remain in conversations with Highways England, ministers and local residents over this matter, and will continue to keep everybody updated.”