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• A11 Fiveways to Thetford Improvement

Environmental Issues

This section of the A11 lies within an area known as "The Brecks" or "Breckland", which is an area of considerable ecological, archaeological and landscape value. It contains a number of sites of European and National conservation value.

These sites include the Rex Graham Reserve, Weather Heath and Horn Heath which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation; Mildenhall Woods County Wildlife Site and the Elveden Village Conservation Area.

Most of the route is a potential Special Protection Area, a European designation relating to the protection of three bird species; stone curlew, nightjar and woodlark.

Environmental Considerations

We will use best practice to safeguard the local environment. We have surveyed the local surroundings and used the results to find ways of reducing any negative effects and also contribute towards improving the local environment. We will plan the construction works to minimise the effects on the environment.

Landscape

• To reduce the visual impact of the scheme, areas of trees, shrubs, and grassland would be planted. Native species that are local to the area would be used where possible.
• The planting design will be in character with the Breckland landscape and include pine shelterbelts, known as 'deal rows'.
• A wider central reserve would be provided at the eastern end of the scheme to retain an area of deciduous trees.
• The scheme through Weather and Horn Heaths would remain within the existing highway boundary to minimise the impact on the heathland.

Wildlife and Nature Conservation

• We have carried out ecological surveys in the area to identify any evidence of a number of protected species, including the Breckland mugwort and other plants, reptiles, bats, badgers, great crested newts and birds.
• Where we have found evidence of protected species, methods have been included in the Scheme design to reduce impacts and in some cases improve the environment for those species.

Local Communities

• Elveden Village would benefit from the bypass, as it would reduce traffic flows through the centre of the village, thus improving road safety and village amenity.
• The Public Rights of Way network would be kept or alternatives provided.

Water

• We will provide appropriate drainage to deal with the surface water from the road.
• These measures ensure road runoff is treated for pollutants, before filtering into the ground or draining into the cut off channel.

Historic Environment

• The area contains features of Cultural heritage importance, including archaeological sites and Listed Buildings such as Barton Hall and the prominent 1920's War Memorial.
• Various methods have been included in the Scheme design to reduce the impacts to historic features.
• Additional survey work prior to construction would enable any potentially undiscovered archaeology to be identified.

Air Quality

• Our assessments show that the majority of residential properties would experience improved local air quality as a result of the scheme, due to enhanced traffic flows.
• We would monitor the effects on air quality in the area with the aim of meeting national air quality objectives.

Noise

• Our noise assessment shows that the majority of residential properties would experience reduced traffic noise levels as a result of the scheme.
• Construction noise and vibration levels would be kept within acceptable limits.

Deer

Four species of Deer are found along the length of the A11 between Barton Mills and Thetford: Red, Roe, Fallow and Muntjac.

Various options for Deer Management have been researched including bridges, underpasses, and extensive fencing and a combination of these. The most effective option was considered to be the adoption of wide verges and incorporation of any new technology found to be effective

Wide verges of up to 10 metres have been incorporated in the design as a buffer zone that will allow drivers an opportunity to see and react to the deer before they stray onto the carriageways.