Highways Agency

• A5117 / A550 Deeside Park Junctions Improvement

A5117 / A550 Deeside Park Junctions Improvement

Environmental Effects

Improving an existing road is an opportunity to provide some environmental improvements. It is likely that there will be some adverse effects but these will be reduced to a minimum. The key environmental issues are described below.

Noise and Air Quality

A comparison for the year 2022, (15 years after opening), with and without the road improvement, shows a balance between adverse effects and benefits. Most of the changes are marginal with some properties benefiting from measures such as screen mounding. A slightly higher number are likely to be affected by higher noise levels from increased traffic.

In overall terms the level of air pollutants at properties will reduce with the scheme. Although there will be adverse effects for some properties, these will be outweighed by improvements for others. Levels at all properties are expected to meet the Governments air quality objectives. There will however be an estimated increase of 5% in emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide for the local road network.

Landscape and Visual Effects

The landscape character of the area is generally flat, and open, except for the slopes of the Dee valley at Woodbank where there are long views towards the Deeside Park Industrial Estate and the Welsh hills beyond.

Fields are enclosed by hedges, and there are some blocks of woodland. The existing road and power lines already adversely affect the quality of the landscape but there will be some additional adverse impacts on landscape character resulting from the increased scale of the three junctions and the loss of existing trees and hedges. A high bridge at Lodge Lane will also be intrusive in the open landscape. Over 40 houses, including some listed buildings, will be adversely affected by views of the new road.

Proposed screen mounds will help to screen views of the road, for example from Shotwick. Visual impacts will further reduce in time as planting matures.

Heritage

Locally important features include the village of Shotwick, which is a conservation area containing several listed buildings. Archaeological remains potentially affected include the boundaries to a former medieval deer park near Shotwick and two historic routes of possible Roman origin. The historic character of the landscape is also important, the pattern of fields and woodlands are evidence of changes in the use of land through history. No sites of national importance are affected. Steps would be taken to investigate and record any archaeological features encountered during construction. Proposed planting and mounding will be designed to help to protect the setting of features such as Shotwick and reflect the historic character of the area.

Nature Conservation and Water Quality

Local sites designated for their Biological Importance will not be affected by the proposals. The assessment also confirms that the River Dee and its estuary, (the River Dee and Mersey Natura 2000 sites), which are of international importance for wildlife, will not be affected.

Land used by protected species, including great crested newts, will be affected and there will be some loss of habitat such as hedges, meadows and an area of wet woodland at Woodbank. Habitat creation measures including wildflower meadows, new ponds and tree and shrub planting will offset the losses and result in benefits for wildlife as it establishes.

The series of drainage ponds proposed as part of the scheme represent an improvement over the existing road drainage by reducing flooding risk and providing better pollution control. Pollution safeguards will give greater protection to wildlife sites of international importance downstream.

Agriculture, Geology and Soils

Agriculture is the dominant land use - the majority of the land is good quality grazing land. Although improving an existing road line minimises the land needed, 36 hectares of farmland will be required, including the buildings to 3 farmsteads. Altogether 15 farms will be affected in some way. New access roads will be provided where necessary and most of the farms will not be unduly affected in the long term. Areas required for temporary works during the construction of the scheme will be restored to agricultural use.

There are no protected geological sites in the area. The risk of ground contamination along the route is considered to be negligible.

Pedestrian, Cyclists and Equestrians

Improved crossing points, including a bridge at Lodge Lane and a 'Pegasus' crossing for the A550 at Woodbank, will improve safety and reduce severance for people seeking to cross the road. Conditions will also be improved at Parkgate Road with provision for pedestrians and cyclists across the bridge. A new continuous route for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians will be provided between Dunkirk and Deeside Park Junctions.

Vehicle Travellers

Road users will benefit from reduced congestion. Planting will be designed to create an attractive view from the road.

Construction Effects

A Construction Environment Master Plan (CEMP) will provide the methods for controlling, for example, noise, vibration and dust to minimise effects during construction. The CEMP will also identify works needed to protect wildlife habitats and prevent pollution to watercourses. Works will be phased to minimise traffic disruption and two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction during peak times. Access will be maintained to the Little Chef and petrol station at the A540 roundabout. Alternative access to agricultural businesses and houses fronting the road will be provided early and public footpaths maintained wherever possible.

Any important archaeological finds made during the course of the works will be assessed and recorded by an archaeologist.