'Brooklands ridge' barrier alongside M1 motorway

The largest UK-made sound and air pollution barrier is being constructed alongside a 3km stretch of the M1 motorway, as part a GBP350M scheme to build 2,500 new homes on the outskirts of Milton Keynes

The 'Brooklands ridge' is part of plans by Places for People, one of the UK's largest property management and development companies, to build a new community on the 365 acre site which will include a range of homes, two new schools, and health and community services.

The ridge will be made up of nearly a million cubic metres of earth - enough to fill 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools, and is 11 metres high.

Its primary function will be to act as a noise and air pollution barrier for the new scheme to the west of the motorway, as well as the existing villages of Broughton, Atterbury and Middleton.

The ridge itself will be constructed with the surplus soil from the construction of the Brooklands development, as well as recycled soil from other major building sites across Milton Keynes, providing an environmentally beneficial alternative to landfill sites.

The groundbreaking scale of the structure requires it to be defined as a major engineered earthworks rather than a simple conventional landscaping project.

Following removal of the topsoil and subsoil materials, gravely glacial clay and river terrace deposits will form the foundation.

The recycled soil will be assessed for suitability then reinforced to prevent it from collapsing under its own weight.

As well as blocking noise, the ridge will be planted with woodland tree species, with planting designed for maximum ecological benefit and to create a significant wildlife corridor.

A network of paths, trails and clearings will provide public access along the length of the ridge.

It will also provide space for a high profile piece of public artwork in a prominent position adjacent to the motorway.

It is due to be completed in 2011, and will then be handed over to the Milton Keynes Parks Trust.

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