COUNCILLORS have questioned whether work to resurface the 'loud' M27 will ever actually happen, despite the Prime Minister confirming that funds had been released.
Yesterday, Boris Johnson confirmed that work would start on resurfacing the M27 this summer as part of an “infrastructure revolution”.
The concrete section of the M27 between Junction five and Junction seven is set to be resurfaced with “low noise asphalt” and work is predicted to take 2-3 years to deliver.
It comes after Hedge End and West End residents campaigned for years to get the work to take place with some claiming the noise was stopping them sleeping.
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However, despite the news, Eastleigh Borough Council leader Cllr Keith House has questioned whether the work will actually happen at all.
He said: “This was the funding that MP Mike Thornton gained in 2014 that was cancelled by Theresa May’s government. Infrastructure last, not first. About time, If it happens this time.”
Ward councillor for West End, Richard Gomer echoed these concerns, and said the council has campaigned for decades to get this work done.
He added: “If it does come to fruition brilliant, but I will believe it when I see it. The noise by the motorway is intolerable for residents so I just hope for their sake that this time it is delivered.”
It has not been confirmed how much funding has been released for the works, nor how much it will cost as contractors are currently being appointed.
Highways England said work will "help reduce road noise for the local communities that live along this stretch of the motorway".
A spokesperson for the highways company added: “Initial preparatory work will take place this summer. This work will help to stabilise the existing concrete road in preparation for the main resurfacing work which is planned to take place in 2022/23.”
“We understand that living near a busy road can be noisy and we are working on the best solution to rectify this.”
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