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The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
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Post Opening Project Evaluation (POPE) of Major Schemes
What is a Major Scheme?
These are road improvements undertaken by the Highways Agency (HA) that cost more than £5 million. Schemes such as bypasses, motorway widening and large junction improvements are included in the Programme of Major Schemes.
What is included in POPE for a major scheme?
The POPE study will look at how much a scheme actually cost (outturn cost) compared to predicted costs. These costs include: construction costs, land, preparation and supervision costs.
The study also calculates the benefits of the scheme and compares this to the benefits which were forecast.
All of the government's NATA objectives are covered in the evaluation. These are: environment, safety, economy, accessibility and integration.
Some elements are looked at in detail for all schemes; for example, the effect on journey times, changes in traffic flows, accident records and the impact on carbon emissions. However, the evaluation approach is flexible and focuses most attention on those issues which were either key objectives or substantial impacts of the scheme in question. The evaluation undertaken for one project could, therefore, be different in emphasis from that undertaken for another project.
When is POPE undertaken?
Studies are undertaken at one year after and five years after opening. The Five Year After report is necessary because some things, such as environmental impacts and accident trends, take time to become apparent. However, some very useful information is available much earlier, so a One Year After report is undertaken to allow lessons to be learnt more quickly.
Where can I find the results of POPE?
Each of our major schemes has its own page on our website. The One Year After and Five Year After reports for that scheme can be found there. You can search for a specific scheme on the Road Projects gateway page.
In addition to reports about individual schemes, every two years a report is produced comparing the findings and identifying trends. The summary of the latest meta report is available to download: Post Opening Project Evaluation 2002-2006: Lessons Learnt (3MB PDF)
What schemes have a completed POPE?
A1 Stannington Junction
A2 Bean - Cobham (phase 1)
A2/M2 Cobham to J4 Widening
A5 Nesscliffe bypass
A6 Alvaston
A6 Clapham Bypass
A6 Great Glen Bypass
A6 Rothwell - Desborough Bypass
A6 Rushden & High Ferrers Bypass
A10 Wadesmill, High Cross & Colliers End bypass
A11 Roudham Heath to Attleborough
A27 Polegate Bypass
A34 Chieveley/M4 J13 Improvement
A34 Newbury Bypass
A41 Aston Clinton Bypass
A43 M40 - B4031 Duallling
A43 Silverstone Bypass
A46 Newark - Lincoln improvement
A64 Colton Lane Grade Separated Junction
A66 Stainburn & Great Clifton Bypass
A500 Basford, Hough, Shavington Bypass
A650 Bingley Relief Road
A1033 Hedon Road Improvement
M6 Toll
For schemes were there is no link to the report, please contact us for a copy.
