Highways Agency

• A1/B6387 Twyford Bridge Junction Improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Highways Agency improving the junctions?

Access to and from the B6387 Gamston to Ollerton Road is poor and relies on sub-standard northbound slip roads. To maintain the safety of this junction it has been necessary to impose a 50 mph speed limit on traffic on the A1, causing significant delays to the heavy flow of traffic on this road.

What do the junction improvements involve?

We are considering two options. The first involves a new combined northbound on/off-slip road located to the east of the B6387. The second involves a new northbound on-slip located to the west of the B6387 and together with some improvements to the existing on/off-slip, which will be converted to one-way working as an off-slip only. For both options we are looking at improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Once the improvements are completed the national speed for a dual carriageway (70m.p.h) will be reintroduced.

Will the improvements increase the safety at the junction?

The accident record at the junction has been exceptionally good since the introduction of the 50 mph speed limit, speed cameras and road lighting in the late 1990s. These new improvements are to improve access to and egress from the B6387, to improve journey times and to provide capacity for proposed developments locally.

Will the level of noise generated by traffic using the junction increase as a result of the junction improvement?

A noise assessment shows that the road improvement will not result in any additional traffic due to traffic diverting from other routes so there will be little increase in noise levels. Removing the 50 mph speed limit could cause some increase in noise levels. Noise levels will be kept to a minimum by low noise surfacing wherever possible.

Will I get secondary glazing?

Certain criteria have to be met for a property to qualify for noise insulation under the Noise Insulation Regulations Act 1975. Properties will be assessed against these criteria and if they qualify owners will be offered secondary glazing. As an alternative, the Regulations allow us to pay a grant towards the cost of ordinary double-glazing.

What compensation am I entitled to if my land is Compulsorily Purchased for the scheme?

Compensation following compulsory acquisition of land is based on a principle of equivalence. This means that you should be no worse off in financial terms after the acquisition than you were before. Because the effects of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) are ignored when assessing compensation, it is necessary to value the land on the basis of its open market value without any increase or decrease attributable to the scheme or development, which underlies the CPO.

Will I be able to claim compensation as a result of the junction improvement?

Claims can be made after the expiry of 12 months from the date when the new or altered road was first opened to public traffic. Anyone who believes that they are entitled to compensation under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973 should contact the Highways Agency for information on how to make a claim.

Why have you not done something sooner?

The 50mph speed limit, speed cameras and road lighting introduced in the late 1990s improved the poor safety record which emerged in the early to mid 1990s on the A1 around Elkesley. This has worked exceptionally well and the current accident rate is well below the national average. Following the A1 Peterborough to Blyth Route Management Strategy, the Agency has sought funding to design and construct improvements and is now working towards delivering these in 2008/09. The Highways Agency follows strict planning procedures and this takes time.

What about pedestrians or cyclists?

There are no existing pedestrian or cycle facilities across the A1 either at the junction or at the adjacent parts of the A1. For both options we are looking at improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

How much will the improvement costs and who is paying for it?

The estimated cost for works at Twyford Bridge junction is around £1million. The Highways Agency is funded from central Government with an annual budget. This budget is allocated to schemes that offer good benefits and value for money. As this project reduces delays to traffic on the A1 it offers good value for money.

How long will it take to build?

Works are currently programmed to commence on site early in 2008 and will take no more than 12 months to complete.

Will there be much disruption to traffic during construction?

The Contractor for the scheme will be instructed to keep the junction open to traffic at all times, and will only be allowed to close lanes during off-peak times. There should be little disruption to the A1 traffic.

Will construction traffic be allowed to use local roads?

No. the Contractor will be instructed that construction traffic may not use local roads.

Will there be speed limits during construction?

Yes, speed limits will be imposed through the works area during construction for safety of the workforce and the travelling public.

What about noise during construction of the junction improvement?

Noise levels for works whilst the scheme is under construction will be agreed with and monitored by Bassetlaw District Council Environmental Health.

Will a quiet noise surface be used?

Yes. Quiet road surfacing materials will be used in the construction of all new carriageways at the site.

Will air pollution increase locally?

Although traffic is expected to increase by the opening year, an air quality assessment of the site shows that air quality will actually improve slightly due to improved vehicle emissions and a greater number of modern vehicles in the UK.

Will the junction improvement proposals have a detrimental impact on the environment?

There will be a slight loss of mature vegetation and agricultural land due to the construction of the new slip road carriageways, but this will be mitigated through careful landscaping and planting of new trees.

What will be effect on wildlife at the site?

The area surrounding Elkesley is considered to be a landscape of good quality. Many surveys have already been carried out at the site for badgers, bat roosts, water voles and great crested newts. Although none of these were found to be present at the site, further surveys, including surveys for breeding birds, will be carried out before vegetation clearance commences.

Will planting be introduced to minimise the impact of the scheme on the environment?

Areas of land have been included within the scheme CPO for landscaping to mitigate the vegetation being lost to the improved junction. This area will be planted with dense native trees and shrubs, new hedgerows and species-rich grassland.

How can I find out more?

You can write to us at Highways Agency, 5 Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1BL, or email a1_b6387_twyford_bridge@highways.gsi.gov.uk in relation to specific queries. The next stage in the development of the scheme is the announcement of the preferred route, which will follow the completion of our technical, environmental, economic and other assessments.