Table of Contents
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Glossary : Click Here
Baseline
The existing A417 passes close to residential properties resulting in high existing noise levels along the A417. This is reflected in the designation of six ‘Noise Important Areas’ (areas identified by the Government as being most exposed to noise) in the vicinity.
Construction
During the construction of the proposed scheme, temporary significant adverse noise effects would occur at 14 residential locations, and three non-residential locations as well as certain Public Rights of Way (PRoW) in the AONB. Construction noise would be managed through the application of best practice measures which would include the selection of quiet and low vibration equipment, locating equipment away from residential areas to minimise noise disturbance, the use of enclosures for stationary equipment, the use of temporary screening hoarding/bunds, and the implementation of a traffic management plan. Construction vibration impacts are identified at four dwellings and one non-residential property. However, these impacts would be of short duration i.e. less than 10 days, and therefore are assessed as not significant. Vibration effects from construction would be controlled with suitable mitigation measures.
Preliminary construction assessment
- Construction activities would result in likely significant temporary adverse noise effects at 14 residential properties, along with three non-residential locations as well as some public footpaths which would be in close proximity to the works.
- Four dwellings and one non-residential property are assessed as being subject to a moderate impact from construction vibration. However, the short duration of these works (less than 10 days) has been assessed as likely not significant.
Operation
Once operational, changes in the noise environment would arise from changes in the road layout which would alter the distance between road traffic and sensitive receptors such as residential properties and PRoW. Changes in noise levels would also be associated with changes in traffic flows, composition and speed on the local road network.
During operation, significant beneficial effects would mainly occur in areas where the existing A417 would be removed, such as near Birdlip. However, potential significant adverse noise effects would occur at some dwellings across the area of the proposed scheme. There would be considerably more significant beneficial effects than adverse effects.
Incorporated noise mitigation measures have been included where practicable within the proposed scheme where these would achieve beneficial noise reductions. These mitigation measures comprise a combination of earthwork bunding and vertical screening (noise barriers). The use of low noise surfacing has also been included along all new and altered highways related to the proposed scheme.
At Crickley Hill Country Park, ‘The Scrubbs’ area and footpaths on the escarpment rising up to the Country Park, along with other local trails, there would be a reduction in road traffic noise levels.
Significant beneficial effects have been assessed for PRoWs in the AONB near to where the existing alignment would be removed (e.g. the Cotswold Way National Trail). There are also some footpaths, including one section of the Gloucestershire Way long distance footpath, which would be subject to significant adverse effects near to the corridor of the new alignment between the existing Air Balloon roundabout and Cowley junction.
Two Noise Important Areas would benefit from noise reductions such that they would be lower than the current noise levels without the proposed scheme.
Preliminary operation assessment
- Likely significant permanent adverse effects at 22 dwellings and some PRoW along the route.
- Likely significant permanent beneficial effects at 65 dwellings and some PRoW where the existing A417 is to be removed.