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cut clown traffic noise
Page 10
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• More than 100 miles of motorway and trunk roads are to be resurfaced over the next four years because their concrete surfaces create too much noise.
The Highways Agency says drivers and nearby residents suffer from the higher noise levels generated by concrete which is roughened to reduce the risk of skidding.
A spokesman says original estimates of noise levels were often well below current ones because there has been a marked Increase in the use of low-profile car tyres which generate more noise than conventional tyres.
"Truck tyres have remained a lot more stable and noise from them has not gone up that much," he adds.
Resurfacing will be targeted at highway sections with a high proportion of homes nearby.
The first phase of the programme is due to be completed by April; it includes the northbound carriageway of the M42 between J9-10, and between J16-17 of the M25.
A further 18 sections of Aroad and motorway may be added to the programme if research shows noise is significantly higher than originally predicted.
This could include relatively new roads such as the Al-M1 link, but the Highways Agency says resurfacing will fit in with
normal maintenance work "where possible". IIII Lorry drivers face speed restrictions on part of the MB between Birmingham and Coventry because the motorway is sinking by up to 6ft.
The 50mph limit for all motorists has been imposed on both carriageways of the motorway midway between the two cities. The road is used by 100,000 vehicles a day.
A Highways Agency spokesman says: "The sinking started a few days ago and is expected to carry on by another fift over the next few weeks as a result of subsidence caused by mining by RJB Mining in the area. We are unable to stop the mining but RJB has already pe:1 £3.3 million to install a half-mile concrete slab to help control the sinking."