§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason and at whose expense a wooden fence is being erected adjacent to the southbound carriageway of the M1 motorway near junction 11; and what the total cost is of such work. [104582]
§ Mr. SpellarThe wooden fence is a noise barrier that will be provided next to both carriageways of the motorway through the centre of Luton.
We announced in March 1999 a new sift criteria to be used when assessing serious noise problems on existing trunk roads together with an annual ring-fenced budget to deal with locations identified.
The M1 at Luton qualifies as one of the sites under the criteria. The cost of the works is met from the ring-fenced budget which is managed by the Highways Agency. The first phase of the works at Luton will cost £2.6 million. A later phase will extend the barriers on the southern and northern sides of the town. This phase is planned to be undertaken in 2004–05 and will cost a further £2 million.