Highways Agency

Chapter 7 Environment

Striking a balance

Introduction

One of our key objectives is to minimise the impact of the trunk road network on the natural and built environment. As manager of an estate approximately the size of the Isle of Wight, we carry out many projects to safeguard or improve the environment.

For example, we recognise that roadside verges provide a major habitat for wildlife, including endangered species, that need to be protected. An example of this is the roadside conservation project on the verge of the A27 near Pagham Harbour where protective measures were put in place to protect a colony of rare striped Lychnis moths discovered there.

We plant up to a million trees every year.

From March 2004, our contractors will have to operate an accredited Environmental Management System, where appropriate, to secure future work. This will enable standard environmental techniques, developed by the Agency, to be integrated into environmental work taking place across our network.

In March 2002 we published our Biodiversity Action Plan. This sets out how we will protect and encourage wildlife on our land. Activities in the plan include building tunnels for badgers and creating new habitats for rare plants and insects. The plan contains targets for the next decade, including creating both new habitats and improving existing ones. Individual action plans for 25 species and habitats cover a range of measures that will protect and enhance biodiversity on our estate across the motorway and trunk road network.

In recent years, we have carried out a number of research projects on the use of recycled materials in road-related construction. These include re-using existing road materials, and the use of secondary aggregates or by-products such as colliery shales, in new road construction. We also use shredded tyres as a topping for some of our roadside drains. A current research project is looking into using recycled aggregates in reinforced concrete structures. Other examples include research into the use of cement or lime to stabilise our roads. This reduces the amount of material that needs to be excavated, taken to landfill tips and replaced, saving time and money and reducing environmental damage. Rehabilitation of old concrete carriageways is also providing an economic and sustainable alternative to full reconstruction.

2001-02 performance

Biodiversity Management: During 2001-02 we increased the amount of the network under biodiversity management and landscape management. For example, whilst dualling the A43 between Towcester and the M40 on the Northamptonshire/ Oxfordshire border, we carried out a phased removal of woodland over a two year period to encourage the resident population of dormice to move further back into the wood where a new habitat had been developed (see case study).

Noise Mitigation: We treated 13 sites from a list requiring noise mitigation presented to Parliament, known as 'Hansard' sites. An example of this was where we installed 2.5km of noise fencing between Junctions 33 and 34 of the M1, benefiting some 250 properties. This used a novel design with a colour scheme agreed with local residents.

Noise fences installed on the M1.

Air Quality: We responded to three consultations from local authorities on Air Quality Plans.

Recycling Materials: Examples include the use of recycled materials for a major resurfacing project on the A30. This cost 20% less than conventional repair methods, took 50% less time and reduced the number of lorry journeys moving materials by about 700. On the A63 Selby Bypass, waste materials from local coalfields and power plants were used for embankments.

 We work with local authorities to improve air quality.

Rescue Archaeology: Work on the A46 Newark to Lincoln Improvement unearthed a substantial section of the original Fosse Way (an ancient Roman road). We carried out extensive survey and research work which added significantly to knowledge in this area.

Case study: Moving the mice

A rare protected species of dormouse was found in an area of woodland scheduled for felling as part of the A43 Towcester to M40 dualling project. In consultation with the Forestry Commission, English Nature and the Northamptonshire Dormice Group, it was decided to attempt to encourage the dormice to move further back into the wood away from the area that needed to be felled.

The surrounding woodland was improved to make it into an appropriate dormouse habitat and a phased felling of woodland took place over two years. The disturbance from the work gradually moved the dormice into their newly prepared habitat. English Nature has recommended this strategy for potential use in similar situations.