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• Non-technical summary of the environmental statement
• Non-technical summary of the environmental statement

Non-technical summary of the environmental statement

Non-technical Summary Of The Environmental Statement

Introduction

This document describes the proposed A2 Pepperhill to Cobham Widening Scheme and summarises the anticipated environmental effects, which are detailed in the Environmental Statement (ES).

The ES describes the proposals, their main effects on the environment and the measures included within the Scheme in order to reduce any adverse effects on the environment.

The Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken in accordance with EC Directive 97/11/EEC as applied by Section 105A of the Highways Act (1980), as amended by the Highways (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999.

The ES supports the published Draft Orders for the Scheme.

The Scheme

The Scheme would provide for widening the A2 from three to four lanes in each direction between Pepperhill and Cobham Junctions, a total distance of around 6.5km.

The proposed route would be a combination of a new alignment to the south of the existing A2 between Pepperhill and Marling Cross, and widening of the existing A2 between Marling Cross and Cobham.

The route has been designed to follow the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) as closelyas possible.

The existing A2 between Pepperhill and Marling Cross would be closed to vehicles and landscaped with grassed mounding and tree planting. A combined dedicated footpath and cycle track would be provided along the route of the existing A2 from Pepperhill toMarling Cross.

Why the Scheme is Needed

The A2 Trunk Road is an important national route linking London and Dover. Between Pepperhill (A2260) and Cobham (B2009) junctions the A2 carries over 100,000 vehicles per day and regularly suffers from considerable congestion, particularly during peak hours. This situation is forecast to become worse as traffic flows on the road increase and local regeneration in the Kent Thameside area accelerates. The Scheme is designed to alleviate this congestion, improve safety and contribute to an integrated and sustainable transport strategy for the Kent Thameside area.

History of the Scheme and Consultation on Alternative Options

The Scheme entered the Targeted Programme of Improvements ( TPI ) in 1998. In March 2001, the Highways Agency carried out public consultation on three alternative route options for the widening of the A2 between Pepperhill and Cobham. The public expressed a clear preference for the 'Red Route' off-line option, as it would move traffic away from residential areas, reduce traffic noise and improve air quality. The Red Route was announced by the Secretary of State as the 'Preferred Route' in January 2002. The Preferred Route has been developed as the proposed Scheme and received further support at a second public consultation in July 2004 (attended by more than 500 people).

Main Elements of the Proposals

The main features of the Scheme, from west to east, are:

• Existing Downs Road / Hog Lane would be diverted from the CTRL bridge to south of the Hog Lane and Landseer Avenue junction, crossing the new A2 on a bridge. The existing Hog Lane subway would be demolished.
• Existing footway running from Hall Road to the side of the existing A2 would be widened and converted to shared use by cyclists and pedestrians.
• The existing A2 between Pepperhill and Marling Cross would be closed to vehicles and landscaped with grassed mounding and tree planting. A combined dedicated footpath and cycle track would be included.
• Proposed new two roundabout junction at Tollgate which would require demolition of the separate hotel accommodation block, two cottages to the south of the hotel, and the Turnpike filling station. Provision of a new access to the Tollgate Hotel off the northern roundabout.
• Disused café / filling station at Singlewell would be demolished.
• Proposed new footbridge east of the Tollgate Hotel.
• Hever Court subway would be demolished and replaced by a new footbridge.
• Proposed new junction at Marling Cross, where one property would be demolished to accommodate the widening.
• Proposed new link road to Cobham Services - vehicles travelling eastbound wishing to use the services would leave the A2 at Marling Cross Junction to access the service area.
• Proposed shared use footway / cycleway east of Marling Cross.
• Proposed widening of the existing A2, on the south side, east of Marling Cross.
• One property on the south side of the A2 near Thong Lane would be demolished.
• Slip roads at Thong Lane would be closed for safety reasons. Access to Thong village and the Inn on the Lake would be via the Brewers Road roundabout at Cobham Junction.
• Proposed replacement of Thong Lane bridge over the A2.
• Proposed sign gantries would be located along the new road.