FAMILIES suffering intolerable traffic noise from cars and lorries thundering past homes on the busy A14 near Felixstowe should soon have quieter lives.
FAMILIES suffering intolerable traffic noise from cars and lorries thundering past homes on the busy A14 near Felixstowe should soon have quieter lives.
Not that the traffic is set to decrease – in fact, the number of vehicles will rise dramatically in the years ahead – but road experts say the sound from it should be less intrusive.
A project has now started to resurface the dual carriageway from the notorious dock spur roundabout to the twin Trimley villages with a new quieter surface material.
The Highways Agency hopes the surfacing will make traffic quieter for motorists and also those living close to the road.
Residents on the Farmlands estate at Trimley St Mary suffer dreadful traffic noise and exhaust fumes from the lorries and cars passing just yards from their homes and often cannot have windows open or use their gardens.
They have been incensed by news that expansion of Felixstowe port will in the next 20 years add nearly another million lorry journeys to the A14.
The roadworks about to start are set to last 11 days with other safety work on the A14 then taking place over four weeks.
The resurfacing will take place from 8pm to 6am each day with overnight lane closures on the A14 and parts of the dock spur junction and there will be diversions clearly marked for motorists and a 10mph convoy system by which traffic will be escorted through the work area.
When the resurfacing is complete, road markings and replacement road studs will be installed between Levington and Felixstowe.
This will be carried out during the off peak hours of 9.30am and 4pm and will involve lane closures.
Henry Smith, assistant route manager for the Highways Agency, said: "The new low noise surface being used will provide a quieter journey for motorists while the improved white lining, together with the reflective road studs, will make the route safer.
"The work will be done overnight and during off peak hours, but drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journey as lane closures and speed restrictions will be in place."
The work is being carried out by Amey Mouchel of Great Blakenham and La Farge Redland Aggregates of Barham.
WEBLINK: www.highways.gov.uk
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