I’m delighted that Highways England have provided me with an update on the awful problem of A38 noise, which will hopefully mark a welcome and big step towards tackling the issue in one of its hotspots: Alfreton. Highways England recently carried out a site visit to analyse the potential design and construction of noise barriers near the A38 at Alfreton. This site is recognised as a noise important area and an initial feasibility study has supported the recommendation that a noise barrier is the most effective treatment to reduce noise levels at this location.
As a result of the visit, I’m pleased that Highways England are now drawing up plans for the new noise barriers, with construction expected to start during the 2018/2019 financial year – subject to the availability of funding and road space.
This is a welcome step to solve this long-running problem in one of the areas most affected, and I will keep you updated as their plans progress. I will also, of course, continue to campaign for some of the other areas affected, such as Ripley and Coxbench, to also benefit from measures to alleviate the problem.
