Highways England is set to install sound barriers on the busy A1 in Nottinghamshire by 2020 to help reduce noise levels for people living in more than 1,000 areas near motorways and major A-roads.

This noise reduction initiative also includes provisions of double glazing and laying quieter road surfaces.

Highways England has set aside £39m to reduce noise levels for communities living near busy roads.

Under the scheme, the agency completed installation of a 600m-long noise barrier near the village of North Muskham, near Newark.

The community has adopted the 3m-high barrier after residents decided to plant 150 shrubs in front of it.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to reduce traffic noise levels for over 40,000 roadside residents since 2015 as part of our noise reduction schemes.”

In addition, the agency has installed free double-glazing at more than 600 homes.

It also laid quieter surfacing on more than 6,000 miles of lanes on motorways and major A roads since 2015, which is equal to resurfacing the entire M6 three times over.

Highways England principal noise advisor Ian Holmes said: “Around four million drivers travel on our roads every day but they impact many millions more, whether that’s businesses relying on long-distance deliveries or families in opposite ends of the country being able to get together for special occasions.

“Our roads also have an impact on the people who live near them and I’m pleased we’ve been able to reduce traffic noise levels for over 40,000 roadside residents since 2015 as part of our noise reduction schemes.”

People living near the busy A1 in Nottinghamshire are among 40,000 roadside residents who are benefiting from a quieter life due to this noise reduction initiative.