The campaign for noise-reduction measures on the A34 has resulted, at long last, in a programme which the Highways Agency is due to start in August to replace the worn-out and always faulty concrete surface with a quiet asphalt surface (Oxford Mail, May 10).
There is mounting concern and anxiety, however, that the current proposals will not be sufficient, and that further noise reduction could be achieved if other measures were taken.
It is essential that long-suffering residents benefit to the maximum to reduce noise pollution that emanates from one of the busiest trunk roads in Britain 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The resurfacing will extend north from just after the Pear Tree flyover.
According to officers at the recent exhibitions, the flyover itself will not be resurfaced (the diagram on the Highways Agency's website is misleading in this respect).
Only the concrete sections of the slip roads at the interchange are to be resurfaced.
Because of the height of the road at the interchange, and prevailing winds, a great deal of noise pollution affects the residential areas from the flyover, particularly in the Linkside-Lakeside triangle.
Additionally, the provision of noise barriers, such as those further down the A34 at Botley, or on the M25, would also significantly reduce the noise pollution in residential areas.
A 50 mph speed limit, for at least half a mile either side of the flyover, with cameras to enforce it, would also be of great benefit.
There is a campaign to achieve these additional measures -- the extending of the quiet resurfacing so that it covers the flyover (and preferably beyond), the erection of noise barriers, and the introduction of a 50mph speed limit.
Please write to the Highways Agency in Dorking in support, to your MP and councillors.
Time is of the essence, but it's not too late for the Highways Agency to make these necessary changes.
Jackie Gray
Lakeside
Oxford
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