Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Environmental Considerations

Environmental issues are very important to us. A team of environmental specialists works very closely with the design team and is involved in all key decisions. Environmental studies are underway so we can compare the effects that each option would have on the environment. These studies will lead to the publishing of a detailed Environmental Statement for the preferred route. As part of this work we are consulting with a wide range of national and local bodies, including all the relevant planning authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency and English Heritage. An environmental specialist will be at the Public Exhibition to answer your questions about the potential effects of the scheme options.

Some key environmental issues we are investigating are:

• The effects of changes in noise levels, vibration and air quality;
• The visual impacts on local residents and rights of way;
• The proximity to sensitive ecological features or protected species;
• The possibility of finding archaeological remains;
• Changes to the surrounding landscape; and
• Potential effects on pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.