RELIEF from the noise of high-speed traffic could be provided by a North-East sculptor.
Fine art lecturer Colin Rose's innovative noise reduction barrier was chosen from a shortlist of five to win a £20,000 national design competition.
The Sunderland University senior lecturer used a blend of colours to add spark to barriers measuring two by 2.5-metre barriers, which come in five panelled sections.
Described by the Highways Agency as "a departure from the more conventional style of barrier", Mr Rose's designs will be tried out for the first time on one of the busiest stretches of motorway in the country, a five-mile section of the M1, near Sheffield.
They will then be introduced on other motorways around the country, including a stretch of the M62 trans-Pennine route.
The trial noise reduction scheme is being backed by £5m from the Government.
Other examples of Mr Rose's work can be seen around the North-East, including the Rolling Moon structure which sits on the Gateshead side of the Tyne, near the Swing Bridge.
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