Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
Environmental Issues
A1 Dishforth to Barton Improvement Scheme
Environmental Issues
The Highways Agency is conscious of its obligations and attaches great importance to the environmental issues. The upgrading of the A1 will provide opportunities to enhance the setting using sympathetic landscaping, fencing, tree and shrub planting to reduce the impact of the motorway.
Detailed environmental surveys and assessments have been carried out over the past 18 months to assist the preliminary design process and develop mitigation to reduce the overall environmental impact of the proposed route.
Proposed environmental measures include
- landscaping to provide visual screening
- noise barriers where appropriate
- habitat creation for protected species
- further archaeological investigations.
Full details of planned mitigation measures are given in the Environmental Statement.
Landscape and Land Use
The scheme has been designed to be sympathetic with the existing landscape character of the area and nearby settlements. Where possible, mature vegetation will be kept and there will be extensive tree and shrub planting to screen views of the road. Wild flower planting will create new habitats along the road. Some agricultural land will be required to construct the scheme. Landowners will be provided with alternative access where appropriate.
Biodiversity
The proposed route affects one Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) at Catterick and a number of protected species have been identified along the route. Adverse impact on the SINC has been minimised by re-locating the Catterick Central junction to the edge of the site. New habitats will be created for protected species and some will be moved to alternative habitats.
Cultural Heritage
There are three nationally important archaeological sites along the proposed route at Healam, Bainesse and Cataractonium. Effects on these heritage resources have been minimised by realigning the route and modifying construction methods. Steps will be taken to investigate and record any archaeological features found during construction.
Noise and Air Quality
Low noise surfacing will be used on the new motorway to reduce traffic noise for nearby properties and settlements. In addition, earth mounds and fencing are provided at certain locations to further reduce noise. There will be no significant adverse effects on air quality as a result of the scheme.
Water Quality
Balancing ponds and other water flow controls will be provided to reduce the effects of the motorway. on pollution and local flooding. The introduction of pollution control measures within the drainage system will further reduce pollution risks and have a significant benefit for water quality.
Pedestrians, Cyclists and Horses
A number of safe motorway crossings are included in the scheme. These will be of benefit to all users. Some diversion of existing crossing points and relocation of routes will be required. The planned local access road has been designed to allow the use of the verges by horse riders, and the provision of new links will maintain existing routes.
