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A66 Dualling Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor
Environmental Effects
LANDSCAPE
The proposals would have a slight adverse impact on the character and quality of the existing landscape. Wherever possible, existing trees and hedgerows would be retained but there will be some loss of mature vegetation. In order to offset the impact, new trees, shrubs and hedgerows would be planted to restore field boundaries, to provide links with the wider landscape and to help screen views of the road from properties and from local paths and bridleways. New planting would be located to ensure that long range views are retained.
WATER QUALITY AND DRAINAGE
Existing water abstraction from springs or boreholes would not be affected by the proposals. Two minor watercourses could be affected but these would be protected during construction. The drainage of the existing road would continue broadly as at present. Surface water from the new carriageway would discharge into existing watercourses at three locations via balancing ponds. These ponds would ensure that the rate of discharge would be the same as that from agricultural land.
ECOLOGY AND NATURE CONSERVATION
The proposals would mostly affect habitats of low conservation value and any impacts would be minor. These impacts would be offset by measures including tree and shrub planting and the creation of new habitats in verges and around balancing ponds.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Fifteen sites of archaeological interest have been identified along the route of the scheme. These include the Scheduled Ancient Monuments at Scots Dike and the Roman Fort at Carkin Moor. The proposals would have a major impact on one site, a significant impact on three sites and a small scale impact on seven sites, including the two ancient monuments. Where it is not possible to avoid disturbing a site, suitable measures would be used to mitigate the impact.
LAND USE AND AGRICULTURE
Most of the new construction will take place outside the existing highway. Approximately six hectares of Grade 3a and fourteen hectares of Grade 3b agricultural land will be required. Eleven farms would be affected but the maximum landtake at any farm would not exceed 4% of the total farm area. Landtake may therefore have an effect on the business of the farm but should not affect its viability. Where existing field accesses are affected, new accommodation tracks and access points will be provided.
AIR QUALITY
The proposals will result in improved air quality at six locations. However, some properties would experience a small detrimental effect. Overall the effects on air quality would not be significant.
TRAFFIC NOISE AND VIBRATION
The proposals would not result in any significant change to traffic noise or vibration. The new carriageway would be surfaced with new 'low noise' materials. It is likely that one property would qualify for noise insulation.
LOCAL COMMUNITY EFFECTS
There would be no overall change to the local severance effects of the A66. Pedestrians and cyclists would benefit from being able to cross the road in two stages using the wide central reserve as a refuge. Improved crossing facilities would be provided at the Warrener Lane junction. New crossings at Winston Crossroads, Jagger Lane and Melsonby Crossroads would include dedicated equestrian crossings. These would incorporate corrals to help riders or people leading horses to cross the road more safely.
DISRUPTION DURING CONSTRUCTION
The new carriageway would be parallel to the existing road and most construction would take place 'off-line' with little disruption to A66 traffic. However, some delays would occur at the points where the new construction would tie in to the existing road and at the junctions where alterations would be required to the side roads. Temporary traffic management measures will be designed to ensure that the works operate safely and delays are kept to a minimum.
