Highways Agency

A1(M) Bramham to Wetherby

Frequently Asked Questions

• General Policy
• Statutory Processes
• Traffic
• Mitigation and Compensation
• The Proposed A1 Upgrade
• A1 Junctions
• Local Access Road and Local Roads
• Environment Issues
• Footways, Cycleways and Bridleways
• Construction Issues

GENERAL POLICY

Q: Why wasn't the A1 upgraded at the same time as the Wetherby to Walshford section?

A: The Wetherby Bypass and Bramham to Wetherby Schemes were removed from the Roads Programme in 1996. However, the Wetherby to Walshford Improvements remained in the Roads Programme following the government review. The Wetherby Bypass and Bramham to Wetherby Schemes re-entered the Roads Programme (as a single Bramham to Wetherby Scheme) in 2002, by which time the Wetherby to Walshford scheme had already completed its Statutory processes.

Q: Why couldn't this scheme be part of the A1 Darrington to Dishforth DBFO Scheme?

A: To include the Bramham to Wetherby Scheme in the DBFO Project would have meant delaying the DBFO Project, which includes the Wetherby to Walshford and Ferrybridge to Hook Moor Schemes. It would not have delivered the Bramham to Wetherby Scheme any quicker because of the statutory processes required.

Q: How long will it take to recoup the estimated cost of the upgrading proposals?

A: A preliminary cost benefit analysis shows that it will take five to nine years for the benefits of the scheme to outweigh the costs.

Q: Are there any plans for a new motorway service area?

A: In 2003 a public inquiry was held into the provision of motorway service areas along the A1, which includes the Bramham to Wetherby section.. The outcome of this Inquiry was that a new motorway service area will be provided at the new Kirk Deighton Interchange.

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STATUTORY PROCESSES

Q: When were the Orders published?

A: The Highway & Compulsory Purchase Orders were published on Thursday 14th July 2005. Details were published in local newspapers and the London Gazette. Statutory Authorities and all landowners directly affected by the scheme were also informed. The Orders were also placed on deposit at the Highways Agency office, City House, Leeds and at Leeds City Council offices in Leeds & Wetherby, Bramham Post Office, Wetherby Library and North Yorkshire County Council offices in Northallerton.

The Environmental Statement (ES) was available for inspection at the deposit points listed above. A 10 page summary of the ES called the "Non Technical Summary" (NTS) was also distributed and is available for inspection on this website.

Representatives from the Highways Agency and its Agents were at various exhibitions between July and September 2005. Letters of support, objection or representation were received before the end of the objection period on 29 September 2005.

Q: When was the Public Inquiry held?

A: The Public Inquiry was held from Tuesday 31 January to Thursday 9th February 2006.

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TRAFFIC

Q: How will the proposals affect traffic in Wetherby? When are you going to do something about the traffic situation in Wetherby?

A: With the construction of the local access road around Wetherby, we do not expect traffic within Wetherby to be any worse, although it is likely that traffic patterns may change slightly. Specific measures to deal with the traffic in Wetherby are a matter for Leeds City Council, the Highway Authority for local roads in and around the town.

Q: Do the proposals take into account the proposed large housing developments in the Thorp Arch area?

A: The potential development at the Thorp Arch Trading Estate was recently debated at Leeds City Council UDP Inquiry and was rejected.

Q: What provisions are to be made for traffic between the A1 and Thorp Arch Trading Estate and how will such traffic be prevented from using unsuitable local roads?

A: Access/egress to the A1 from Thorp Arch Trading Estate will via the local access road at the junction with Walton Road. Dialogue with Leeds City Council will continue during the detailed design to ensure adequate signing is provided and rat-running minimised.

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MITIGATION AND COMPENSATION

Q: What will you do to mitigate the impacts of noise and pollution?

A: Mitigation measures are to be provided where appropriate. Such measures include noise fencing and bunding, landscaping of redundant carriageway areas and use of low noise surfacing. Details of the mitigation measures can be found in the Draft Orders Publication leaflet. (a printable copy of this leaflet can be found on this website). More technical noise information is included in the Environmental Statement, published on the 14th July 2005.

Q: Will I be eligible for noise insulation? What type of noise fencing/bunding/double glazing/etc. will be used?

A: A leaflet is available giving full details of who may be eligible. Eligibility of individual cases for noise insulation will be assessed at a later stage. Assessment is based on the Department of Transport document 'Calculation of Road Traffic Noise' and takes into consideration such issues as what the predicted noise levels are, and what the change in noise levels are expected to be due to the scheme.

Q: My property value may decrease as a result of the proposals. How much compensation will I get?

A: If no part of your property is to be taken, but its value is reduced by physical factors, such as noise, dust or fumes from the proposals, you may have a right to compensation one year after the road opens. This is called injurious affection. A leaflet is available giving full details.

Q: When would acquisition of land take place? How much will I get for my land?

A: Normally, the HA would instruct the District Valuer (DV) to commence land acquisition once the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been made and Notice to Treat issued. The price you would get for your land is open market value as assessed by the District Valuer.

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THE PROPOSED A1 UPGRADE

Q: Will the A1 be widened at Bowcliffe in order to provide continuous hard shoulders?

A: There are currently no proposals to widen the cutting at Bowcliffe to accommodate continuous hard shoulders. This would not be cost effective.

Q: Why hasn't the A1 been moved further away from housing at Wetherby?

A: The proposals aim to strike a balance between the environment and the local communities. The A1 at Wetherby has been moved further to the east, away from the residential properties, however, to move it even further would have greater adverse environmental impacts on the River Wharfe, Wetherby Grange Park, and Wetherby Racecourse and would increase scheme costs.

Q: Will the A1 have lighting once it is upgraded to motorway?

A: There are no proposals to light the A1 once it is upgraded to motorway.

Q: What will happen to the lay-by alongside the A1 near Clifford?

A: The existing lay-by off the southbound carriageway of the A1 at Clifford Moor will close.

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A1 JUNCTIONS

Q: Preference for retention of existing junctions

A: The junction strategy has been chosen to maximise road safety and minimise congestion on this important strategic motorway. The local access roads will provide links to the local communities and provide a route for non motorway traffic including non motorised users.

Q: Why is it necessary to close the A1 junctions at Tenter Hill, Wetherby Grange and Walton Road?

A: The proposed closure of the junctions at Tenter Hill, Wetherby Grange and Walton Road are consistent with the strategic nature of motorways, which would not normally contain such a high density of junctions. Retention of these junctions would not meet the standards for weaving lengths on motorways and would have safety implications.

Q: Why is the A1 junction with the A659 at Grange Moor to remain open?

A: The existing A659 Grange Moor roundabout is a full-movement junction which provides a link to the west towards Otley and Ilkey, etc. It also provides the southern access/egress into Wetherby. To close this junction and to provide a full-movement junction at Wetherby Grange would be more costly, and have greater environmental impacts, particularly on Wetherby Grange Park and the River Wharfe.

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THE LOCAL ACCESS ROAD AND LOCAL ROADS

Q: Will the local access road be lit?

A: The roundabouts on the local access road will be lit. The local access road between the Jarvis Roundabout and Sandbeck Lane roundabout will also be lit.

Q: Are there any proposals for limiting the number of heavy goods vehicles in Wetherby?

A: The local road network is operated and maintained by Leeds City Council, the local highway authority. Any weight restrictions imposed would be a matter for Leeds City Council to consider.

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ENVIRONMENT ISSUES

Q: Will there be extra noise pollution?

A: Noise fences and mounds will be provided at key locations to reduce the effects of noise. In the north of Bramham, a large number of properties will experience a significant reduction in noise. In Wetherby the noise environment is unlikely to change signifiantly. Low noise surfacing will be used on all new carriageway construction.

Q: Will there be increased air pollution from the traffic ?

A: Assessment of the impact on the local air quality from the proposals has been undertaken. The results indicate the net impact of the Scheme to be neutral.

Q: Will the scheme have an adverse effect on the natural environment?

A: The Scheme is anticipated to have a slight adverse effect on biodiversity due to the loss of established habitat such as mature trees and hedges and the disruption to habitats caused by construction of the Scheme. However mitigation measures, such as the erection of bat boxes, will help minimise the effects.

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FOOTWAYS, CYCLEWAYS AND BRIDLEWAYS

Q: Will adequate provision be made for pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists?

A: The scheme will provide a replacement provision for vulnerable users with a link between the A1/A64 Junction and Wetherby next to, but separate from, the A1. This provision has been developed during consultation with Leeds City Council, as local highway authority and rights of way authority, and with local rights of way representatives.

Q: Will a commuter cyclist route be provided?

A: A route between Bramham village and Wetherby will be provided for cyclists to commute on. The surfacing of this route is yet to be determined but will be similar to standard footway surfacing.

Q: Will provision be made for equestrians (and others) to cross the A1?

A: A new dedicated provision for vulnerable users to cross the A1 will be provided at Wetherby Grange with equestrian parapets. Equestrian parapets will also be used at the Old River Wharfe bridge. Existing crossing points under the A1 at the River Wharfe Bridge and Wetherby subway will also be improved for equestrian, cyclist and pedestrian use. The existing crossings at Bowcliffe Hall Bridge, Tenter Hill Bridge, Walton Road Bridge, York Road Bridge and Kirk Deighton New Junction will remain. Equestrian parapets will be installed on Tenter Hill Bridge.

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CONSTRUCTION ISSUES

Q: How will traffic be managed during the construction phase of the scheme?

A: It is planned to utilise much of the existing A1 whilst works are under way.Contra flows and full traffic management will be implemented to reduce the impact of the construction works during peak traffic times. It is likely that there will be an increase in journey times, but the Contractor will minimise the effects.

Q: When is construction work expected to start and how long will it take to complete?

A: It is anticipated that construction would start in Spring 2007 and take approximately 2 years to finish.

Q: Will access to Wetherby Grange Park and Walton Road be kept open during the works?

A: Access over the existing Walton Road Bridge will be maintained during construction as the new bridge is built alongside the existing structure. Following the Public Inquiry, the Inspector recommended that access should also be maintained over Wetherby Grange Bridge.  This will remain open until a new bridge is built alongside the existing structure to the north.

Q: Will the A1 need to be closed at any time?

A: When Walton Road and Wetherby Grange bridges are demolished, the A1 will have to be closed for safety reasons.  Each closure is likely to take 2 days and nights over a weekend and fully signed diversions will be in place. Shorter length closures will also be required when the new bridge decks are lifted into place.