Closed
M32 speed limit and noise barriers
Sent to National Highways less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 3431413.
Yes i have gathered that but A) Why is the 40mph limit NOW permanent when you stated back then it was only a "temporary" measure until the barrier and viaduct structure repairs are completed (considering you completed the barrier repairs on the bottom end back in 2017) there was nothing to state it was now becoming permanent and if so then it's a ridiculous move that needs to be reviewed considering 50-60 is the more economical speed meaning people can retain 5th gear and its a gradual reduction whereas at the moment it causes a lot of bunching up and massive differing of speeds between vehicles (those who rigously stick to it and those who blatently ignore it) meaning its more dangerous than before when it was 60 so it should at least go up to 50 from J2 to the strat of the bus lane both ways (maybe start slightly north for southbound traffic than in line with where the national speed limit for northbound reinstates) Secondly how and why is it taking so long (ALREADY) and now told nothing to go ahead before 2026 to complete the barriers considering it's already nearly 10 years this was all first put to light on this stretch? Surely this would be competed sooner if it were really about safety?
Thank you
Updates
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Thank you for contacting National Highways concerning the M32.
We shall look into this issue and aim to provide a response by 14/04/22.
Can we please ask that you check back on this date for an update.
Kind regards
National Highways
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Thank you for your report concerning the M32.
The 40mph limit is in place to manage an obsolete barrier that will eventually be replaced as part of renewal works at Eastville. In addition, the M32 has been identified as a road in a location where air quality is an issue. The 60 mph limit has been maintained in order to help with this. Given the air quality issue and the need for extensive works at Eastville, we're in discussions to determine what local, as well as strategic role the M32 may play in the future. The renewal works for the M32 Eastville viaduct is a complex project, involving work on not just the structure but all of the other elements such as drainage, lighting, improved barriers as well as noise mitigation.
To intervene before this project is ready could result in abortive works. The renewal is currently being developed and costed. There will then be a period of detailed design and some elements of it could require planning permission. This process means that it will not possible to start before around 2026 at the earliest. We monitor this area as we do our entire network for trends and patterns in recorded accident data. There is nothing in analysis of this information that indicates that the reduced speed limit has resulted in an increase in accidents, or an associated accident pattern.
Kind regards
National Highways
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.