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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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Newsletter - Spring 2003
In this issue, you will find information about what will be happening over the coming months.
Appointing a Contractor Early
This process involves appointing a Contractor prior to the publication of draft Orders and Environmental Statement, which is much earlier than normal. The Contractor will be able to bring more innovation and buildability to the design, resulting in more streamlined construction methods. This should save time and improve value.
In this way the Contractor will take full responsibility for the design of the scheme.
What has been happening since Preferred Route Announcement last year?
We have been carrying out a number of surveys for example to:
- identify where there could be protected species
- assess the importance of archaeological features
- understand more about the local hydrology
- assess the nature of local watercourses
- predict changes in noise levels and air quality levels in the area
We have also been preparing a contract to enable Contractors to bid for both the design and construction work.
Next Stage
There are more surveys which we can do now, which will save the Contractor time as he won't need to do them, which will in turn save time in delivering the scheme, these are:
- Topographical
- which defines the shape of the ground surface and features in the area. This has just started and is due to be completed by mid April. Surveyors will be in the area till then.
- Ground Investigation
- which identifies the nature of the underlying soil to help in road and bridge foundation design. This is due to start in March and be complete by end April. There will be small drilling rigs in the area over this period, similar to shown below.
- environmental
- a number of further seasonal surveys for ecology.
- traffic
- to enable junction layouts to be developed. Vehicle counts on roads in the area will be done by Swindon Borough Council and WSP Civils during March and April.
Looking ahead
The Agency are aiming to appoint a Contractor this Summer. The Contractor will then fully design the bypass and publish details in the form of draft Orders and an Environmental Statement in summer 2004.
During this period we expect to liase with affected landowners and other interested parties and organisations to fully discuss the effects of the scheme, aiming to avoid objections to the scheme after draft Orders are published. If there are objections at that time, which can be resolved, then a public inquiry would be avoided. This would save time and construction work could start earlier than 2006, as expected.
