Go-ahead given for M54 to be resurfaced – if they can find cash
The Government has given the go ahead for work to resurface the M54 after a long-running campaign to cut noise levels – but officials say they need to find the money to carry out the project first.
Transport Minister Stephen Hammond has said that laying a new low-noise surface would be the best solution after residents raised fears that the creation of the nearby i54 business park will attract thousands of extra cars.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson has been campaigning for the carriageway to be relaid at a cost of £1.5 million per mile.
A letter from Mr Hammond told Mr Williamson that the stretch of carriageway between junction one at Cannock and two at Wolverhampton had been identified as a 'priority location' after figures showed noise levels topped 76 decibels. But he insisted it could only be relaid once money becomes available.
The letter states: "The Highways Agency have completed initial investigation work into the locations and have concluded the most appropriate mitigation measure is low noise resurfacing."
It says a consultation will start with Staffordshire County Council but adds it would 'depend on available funding'.
Residents have stepped up their campaign after Jaguar Land Rover announced it was doubling the size of an engine plant which it is currently building on the i54 site taking the total workforce at the factory to around 1,500. Mr Williamson said: "This is very positive news for the residents in the area. Through pressure we have got them to recognise the need to action.
"The fact that they have designated a location is a very positive step in the right direction."
But Mr Williamson says the plans should go further as he insists the M54 needs to be resurfaced from junction four at Telford to junction 10A where it links up with the M6.
There is a low noise tar that can be used, known in the trade as Whisper Tar, he added.
A £36.7m flyover and revamp of junction two is being built by Wolverhampton City Council and Staffordshire County Council.
It had been seen as a crucial part of the deal to attract the luxury car maker to the i54.
It will connect to the business park where JLR is spending £500m on an engine plant.
