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The Project Control Framework
This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.
Environmental Issues
Conservation of local environments is an essential part of any improvement scheme. Protection of local wildlife is a priority, as is making sure no long term environmental damage is caused.
A team of ecologists and landscape architects were brought in at the start of the project to supervise vegetation clearance and conduct ecological surveys. The surveys included::
- Checking trees for bat roosts
- Surveying buildings in the scheme area for owls and other wildlife before they are demolished
- Water sampling in order to maintain water quality throughout the project
- Identifying and relocating species rich hedgerows
Qualified ecologists ensured current standards are met, this is important to make certain we are not causing irreversible or lasting damage.
Since March 2009 we have been paying close attention to the limitations created by breeding birds. Ecologists check each location for nesting birds before any vegetation is cut down. Site clearance on occasion has been halted if necessary and will only be restarted once the breeding birds have left the nest.
The ecological work continued through the summer of 2009 with the translocation of great crested newt populations along with other amphibious life under a Protected Species Licence from Natural England. The relocation will be to ponds outside the scheme area so they will not be affected by any works.
Bat and bird nesting boxes are also to be assembled.
Additionally an Appraisal Summary Table can also be accessed from the Publications Page and is a summary of key consequences relating to the environmental, economic and social impacts of this scheme.
