Highways Agency

• Explanation of scheme and non-technical summary of the environmental statement

Explanation of scheme and non-technical summary of the environmental statement

Explanation of Scheme and Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement

Introduction

The Highways Agency is proposing to build a bypass of Thorney on the A47 east of Peterborough. This brochure describes the proposals and summarises the associated Environmental Statement in non-technical language.

Purpose of the Environmental Statement

The Environmental Statement describes the proposals, their main effects on the environment and the measures developed to mitigate adverse environmental effects. Its purpose is to ensure that the public understands the proposals, the impact they may have on the environment, and is given the opportunity to express an opinion on them before the Secretary of State decides whether to proceed with the Scheme.

The Environmental Statement has been issued in accordance with EC Directive 85/337/EEC (on the assessment of effects of certain public projects on the environment), as amended by Directive 97/1/EC, and as applied in England and Wales by Section 105 of the Highways Act 1990. The statement should be read in conjunction with the draft Highways Act Orders for the scheme. The full Environmental Statement will be deposited for inspection during normal office hours at the locations detailed on the back page of this leaflet.

The need for the Scheme

Thorney straddles the A47 approximately half way between Peterborough and Wisbech. The B1040 Crowland to Whittlesey road runs north-south through the village and the B1443 Northborough to Thorney road connects the A15 to the B1040.

At peak times, traffic is subjected to queuing delays at the A47/B1040 junction and the volume of heavy goods vehicles creates a perception of intimidation for pedestrians and cyclists using the A47. Through Thorney the A47 has a poor safety record, with 42 accidents in the years 1996 to 2000, and 76 casualties.

Safety cameras and a modified traffic calming scheme have been introduced to reduce the relatively high speeds through the village and improve safety, but the high volume of traffic (over 15000 vehicles per day in 2000) remains a significant problem.

Proposals for a bypass were first brought forward in 1980 when a Public Consultation exercise was held. A route north of the village received overwhelming support and was confirmed as the preferred route for a single carriageway bypass in 1981. The proposals were reviewed following their incorporation into Peterborough to east of Thorney dualling scheme in 1990. In 1993 it was announced that the bypass could go ahead in advance of the more general improvement but modified at its western end so as not to prejudice alternatives for improvement westwards to Peterborough. The Peterborough to east of Thorney dualling scheme was dropped in 1995. The current proposals are for a dual carriageway bypass closely following the 1981 preferred route.

The Proposed Scheme

The proposed bypass runs to the north of Thorney. At the western end a roundabout would be constructed on the A47 near Hightrees Farm. The bypass would swing north behind Causeway Lodge to intersect with the B1040 Station Road at White Hart Bridge Farm.

A roundabout would be constructed on Station Road between No 71 and No 87. East of Station Road the bypass would follow the Old Wryde Drain, which would be diverted in part into a new channel, to East Wryde Farm. Here it would swing south of East Wryde Farm and then north to a new roundabout at Pigeon's Off Farm. This roundabout would provide links to the BI167 New Cut and to Thorney. At this point the bypass rejoins the existing A47.

The total length of the bypass is approximately 5km (3 miles).

It is proposed that the bypass be dual carriageway. This is justified by the volume of traffic on the A47, and also reduces the likelihood of traffic diverting through Thorney during maintenance works, or following an accident. A dual carriageway is also safer than a single carriageway. At Station Road a bridge is proposed to enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross the A47 safely at this point. The road would not generally be lit, but lighting would be provided at the junctions.

Environmental Effects

Some houses would have views of the bypass, particularly from upper storey windows. Planting would be provided and would be sympathetic to the landscape in order to integrate the road into the surroundings, and to screen views.

Some loss of woodland and watercourse habitat would occur, but this is relatively minor. There are no direct impacts on protected species. Measures would be included in the scheme as it is developed, to reduce any impacts on the range of wildlife of the area. Some loss of established trees would occur, but new planting would be proposed. The new road would result in the loss of agricultural land, but the routeing of the road means that in most case, the effect on farms is minor. White Hart Farm, however, would be made uneconomic. Access to severed farmland would be provided by means that avoid the bypass.

In general Thorney would experience a significant reduction in road noise with the majority of houses sufficiently distant from the new road not to be significantly affected by noise from the road. However, some houses, particularly the new development including Kingsline Close off Station Road would experience a noise increase. Where noise impact is significant, consideration would be given to providing insulation.

Your Views

Expressions of support, representations or objections to the draft Orders or the Environmental Statement should be sent to :

Highways Agency,
Operations Directorate,
Heron House,
49-53 Goldington Road,
BEDFORD,
MK40 3LL.

or by e-mail to:

a47thorneybypasscambridgeshire@highways.gsi.gov.uk

Letters should be headed "A47 Thorney Bypass" quoting the reference HA 65/30/91 and be received by 8th November 2002.

An exhibition to explain the proposals will be held at the Bedford Hall, Station Road, Thorney on Friday 4th October between 2.00pm and 8.00pm. Admission to the exhibition will be free. Representatives of the Highways Agency and their consulting engineers, Atkins, will be present to explain the proposals and answer questions.

What happens next?

After considering all the comments the Secretary of State for Transport may decide to hold a Public Inquiry before an Independent Inspector. The Secretary of State would consider the Inspector's Report and recommendations before deciding whether to proceed with the scheme. A copy of the letter announcing his decision would be sent to all those who comment on the proposals.

Further Information

Copies of the draft Orders and the full Environmental Statement for the scheme may be inspected free of charge during office hours at the following deposit locations:

Highways Agency
Heron House
49-53 Goldington Road
BEDFORD
MK40 3LL

Highways Agency
Information Point
Ground Floor
Romney House
43 Marsham Street
LONDON
SW1P 3HW

Peterborough City Council
Bridge House
Town Bridge
PETERBOROUGH
PE1 1XG

Thorney Library
Church Street
Thorney
PETERBOROUGH
PE6 0QB

Copies of the Environmental Statement may be purchased from the Highways Agency at the Bedford address at a cost of £60. Supporting documentation can also be made available at cost. Further copies of this non-technical summary may be obtained free of charge from this address

The Highways Agency's Project Manager for the scheme is Mike Povey, who can be contacted at:

Highways Agency,
Heron House,
49-53 Goldington Road,
BEDFORD,
MK40 3LL.

Telephone : 08459 556575

e-mail: mike.povey@highways.gsi.gov.uk

Summary of Environmental Effects

Map of Scheme

• West Side of map
• East Side of map