Highways Agency

• A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton

A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton

Environmental Considerations

The proposed scheme would result in some adverse impacts on the environment.  During the design stage we will work to reduce these impacts by, for example, planning earth mounds, new planting and environmental barriers.  The new road would be built with a low noise surface.

At its western end, the route of the proposed new road  would closely follow the existing A14 and A1 corridors. This would minimise any impact on Brampton Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. However, the route would also cross Buckden Gravel Pits, a Country Wildlife Site adjacent to the River Great Ouse.

The landscape of the area is generally open and flat.  The proposed new road  would need a lengthy viaduct across the River Great Ouse Valley, which cannot be hidden.  Although still to be designed in detail, the junctions are likely to have roads at different levels and will be designed to fit into the local landscape wherever possible.

The route of the proposed new road minimises its impact on the look of the landscape at its western end by following the existing A14 and A1 corridors.

There are several historic sites in the area which could be of archaeological interest; we will look into this before finishing the design and starting to build.

There would be improved air quality, and reduced traffic noise, for properties along the existing A14 between Ellington and Fen Drayton.

Provision would be made for most footpaths and bridleways to cross above or below the new road.

The proposed scheme would bring particular benefits to Huntingdon and Godmanchester by reducing traffic on the existing A14.

We will develop and agree plans with the Environment Agency to minimise the impact of possible loss of flood storage in the River Great Ouse flood plain, and any other water issues.

The route of the proposed new road would avoid any impact on Buckden landfill site.