Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Issue 1: january 2002

 Issue 1: January 2002

Introduction

This newsletter has been produced to update local residents and interested parties of the progress of the A34 Chieveley scheme.

The Current Programme

On 19 August 2002 we invited tenders from four contractors for the detailed design and construction of the Chieveley improvement.

Tenders were returned on 20 December and we intend to award the contract by early Spring. Construction works are likely to commence approximately two months later although some works such as site clearance and the erection of fencing may commence earlier. It is anticipated that the works will be completed by the end of 2004.

We are committed to liaising with local residents and interested parties both before and during the progress of the works. Following the award of contractor, a pre-works exhibition will be held to provide details of the proposed construction activities and methods of working. Further details will be circulated nearer the time.

In addition to the exhibition regular liaison meetings with interested parties will be held to discuss the progress and implications of the works. Further newsletters will alsobe circulated within the local community.

Changes to the Scheme

Following the Secretary of State's decisions, in February and October 2002, on the draft Orders the scheme now includes:

• An equestrian bridge, crossing the A34 and the new Oxford Road south of the M4, to provide a link between Green Lane (south) and Chalky Lane;
• A reduction in the area of landscape planting in the field immediately bordering the M4 and A34 in the south- west corner of Junction 13; and
• Changes in the access arrangements to Chieveley Service Area.

During Summer 2002 we attempted to negotiate with all parties to secure the inclusion of additional land for the above changes. Although agreement was reached with all parties affected by changes to the service area access, agreement was not possible for the land required for the equestrian bridge.

As a result the Secretary of State decided that a Supplementary Compulsory Purchase Order should be published for the additional land required to build the bridge. This was published on 7 November 2002 and we have received one objection to the Order. A public inquiry is planned for Spring 2003.

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Other Changes to the Scheme

We have taken the opportunity to include additional works into the proposed construction package to improve local public rights of ways and accelerate maintenance works on the M4.

Bussocks Wood Bridge

The existing Bussocks Wood footbridge crossing the M4 will be demolished and replaced with an equestrian bridge. When the M4 was constructed in early 1970s, the re-arrangement of rights of way resulted in bridleways leading up to either side of this footbridge - but not over it.

Representations have been made in recent years to upgrade the footbridge so that equestrians do not have to use the Newbury-Wantage road. Now, as a result of both new equestrian bridges being provided, a new riding route - the Chieveley Community Circuit - is being planned by the British Horse Society, as part of its BHS Ride-UK Initiative.

Major Maintenance

A major maintenance scheme on the M4 has now been incorporated into the main scheme rather than being carried out as a separate contract after the completion of the Chieveley improvement.

These works will include the strengthening of the existing pavement and resurfacing with a noise reducing asphalt surface for 3km from Junction 13 westward.

Surveys

As part of the Agency's commitment to minimising the impact on the environment and the archaeology, additional surveys are undertaken before construction.

Ecological

Ecological surveys have been undertaken throughout the Summer and Autumn 2002, which have confirmed the presence of some protected species. Some trees may have bats roosting in them and dormice are known to be in hedges and woodland in the area.

A number of common lizards and slow worms have been translocated from an area of wasteland adjacent to the Hilton Newbury North Hotel, to a safe site near to Tot Hill Services at the southern end of Newbury bypass.

Archaeological

During the summer 2002 a geophysical and trial pit survey was undertaken within the footprint of the scheme to identify any significant archaeological features. This survey confirmed that there was little of significant archaeological interest within the area although Bronze Age activity was identified south-east of Chieveley.

These finds will not be disturbed by any engineering works and will be preserved in-situ. Progress at the site will be monitored during construction in case archaeological finds are discovered.

Advance Site Clearance

One of the first activities that would start on site would be the clearance of trees and shrubs from the site. The best time to remove these would be during the winter months when species such as birds and bats are not nesting or roosting and dormice are not active.

However, because of the timescale of the award of contract it will not be possible for the main works Contractor to commence on site before late Spring 2003. To avoid delaying the start of the scheme advanced site clearance works will be undertaken, starting in January 2003. This is to ensure that all trees and shrubs that need to be cleared will be removed before the end of February 2003, prior to the active season.

As a result, the various species will naturally find alternative sites away from the construction area, thus minimising the impact of the works on those ecological interests.

Additional dormice nesting boxes will be placed in adjacent woodland for the dormice when they emerge from hibernation at ground level in the spring.

Large areas of new planting will be provided as part of the road scheme, which will include species of value to dormice, especially Hazel trees.

Mature trees that are potentially suitable for roosting or hibernating bats have been surveyed, although no bats were discovered at the time of survey, evidence of previous use was noted.

Nevertheless, exclusion devices have been fitted, and when the trees are carefully felled, a qualified bat worker will be present. Should any bats be found, they will be rescued.

Further Information

If you want to discuss or write to us about an issue please contact either:

John Martin on 01306 878129 (Project Sponsor)
At;
Highways Agency
OD(SE)
Room 4B
Federated House
London Road
DORKING
Surrey RH4 1SZ
Or email;
a34chieveleym4j13improvement@highways.gsi.gov.uk