Welcome to the Public Consultation Exhibition

Transcription

1 Welcome to the Public Consultation Exhibition Today is your opportunity to: Speak to the team Learn more about the project Leave feedback on the plans The Secretary of State for Transport has recognised the importance of improving capacity and reducing journey times on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). As part of Network Rail s Railway Upgrade Plan we are investing in the ECML to deliver additional capacity and improve train performance and reliability. The Werrington Grade Separation project will involve the construction of a rail chord (line) to provide a new connection between ECML and the Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) line. The existing crossing movement at ground level causes constraints on the network as the freight trains, and the occasional passenger service, have to cross over the high speed East Coast lines. This project will remove this conflict. Network Rail is required to submit an application for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to request permission to build and operate the scheme from the Secretary of State for Transport. We are here today to present our plans and ask for feedback to help us shape these plans and take account of any concerns the local community may have. EAST COAST MAIN LINE RAILWAY INVERNESS ABERDEEN UPGRADE PLAN EDINBURGH WAVERLEY Northallerton Newcastle Freight Loops NEWCASTLE A15 WERRINGTON A16 NORTHALLERTON YORK A47 A47 DONCASTER York Area Capacity Doncaster Station Area Enhancements A47 PETERBOROUGH Werrington Grade Separation Peterborough Down Slow Line Speed Upgrade Huntingdon Woodwalton Four Tracking PETERBOROUGH Power Supply Upgrade Phase 1 (Wood Green Bawtry) LONDON KING S CROSS Gordon Hill Turn-back KEY Enhancements & Renewals Stations High-speed services from London King s Cross Main Roads Hornsey Depot Connection King s Cross Remodelling European Train Control System Phase 1 Northallerton Newcastle Freight Loops Power Supply Upgrade Phase 1 (Wood Green Bawtry) European Train Control System Phase 1

2 Previous Consultation In summer 2014 we held a number of public consultation events to discuss options for either a new flyover or dive-under solution at Werrington. More than two-thirds (69%) of the feedback forms received indicated a preference for the dive-under option. The dive-under was selected based, but not exclusively, on the following factors: public and technical consultation feedback; technical requirements of the project; environmental (including visual) impact; cost; maintenance; constructability; hydrology; and utilities in the area. In October 2015 Network Rail held public information events to inform stakeholders that the dive-under was to be progressed as the preferred option. The key concerns identified by the community from the 2014 consultation and information events in 2015 included: Potential environmental and community impacts, Proximity of the railway to properties; The need for further information and consultation; Vehicle and pedestrian access during construction; Concerns about increased rail services; and Alternative solutions and wider benefits to Werrington. We have considered, and continue to consider, this feedback throughout the design of the project. The feedback received forms an important part of the TWAO submission, and will be reported upon and addressed within that. Previous Werrington Public Consultation Event June 2014 Peterborough Telegraph

3 The Project We are proposing to build a new two-track railway line, just over 3km in length, under the East Coast Main Line and Werrington Junction to enable high-speed trains to pass over the Great Northern Great Eastern Line. North of the Cock Lane footbridge the Stamford Lines would be widened to the west to create four tracks. The central pair of tracks would then dive into a new underpass, below the ECML, and rise to meet the GNGE line approximately 600m after Lincoln Road. Construction Work to construct the new dive-under would take place in phases, including: Setting up compounds and temporary site access points Hydrology assets to be diverted (for example, Brook Drain). Extension of Gasworks Road to the west of the A15 Excavating under the ECML to make space for the dive-under track Laying the new track and associated infrastructure Key features of the proposed scheme are as follows: Rebuilding of Cock Lane footbridge with ramps maintaining access from Benedict Square to Stirling Way. Diversion of Brook Drain and local utilities on the Western side of the railway, and work to the Marholm Brook to enable construction of the new track. Construction of dive-under and associated approach cuttings. The new railway will be constructed through the existing bridge that takes Hurn Road under the A15. The public bridleway and footpath will be retained from Werrington to the A15 but on a slightly different route. Partial diversion of northbound section of Hurn Road to enable continued vehicular access to the A15 (Werrington Parkway). Utility diversions, particularly around Lincoln Road / Hurn Road.

4 The Project Legend Proposed Work Areas During Construction* Roads Existing Track Proposed Construction Compounds Extent of Track Works Proposed Rail Dive-Under* F Footbridges Existing Brook Drain Proposed Brook Drain Diversion* *Indicative Bing Maps Aerial - Getmapping plc 2016 GeoEye 2016 Intermap Earthstar Geographics SIO 2016 Microsoft Corporation Proposed Track Layout Plan

5 The Environment The railway is a sustainable form of transport. We work hard to reduce our impact on the environment and put rail at the heart of a low carbon economy. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the scheme is currently underway. This includes a detailed study of the potential impacts on the local area, during both construction and operation. Topics being assessed include the following: Agricultural land Air quality Archaeology and cultural heritage Biodiversity Climate change impact and risk assessment Contaminated land, waste and resources Flood Risk Greenhouse gases Health impact assessment Landscape and visual Noise and vibration Socio-economics Traffic and transport Water resources An Environmental Statement (ES) will be prepared to report the findings of the EIA. It will identify any significant environmental effects and mitigation measures required. The ES will be available to view when the TWAO application is submitted in December Key Environmental Considerations Legend Proposed Temporary Scheme Boundary # I # II # II* Listed Buildings Ancient Woodland Watercourses Conservation Area Existing Public Rights of Way Scheduled Monuments Designated Biodiversity Areas ,000 Metres Bing Maps Aerial - Getmapping plc 2016 GeoEye 2016 Intermap Earthstar Geographics SIO 2016 Microsoft Corporation

6 The Environment Improving water quality and wildlife habitats Diversion of the Brook Drain on the western side of the railway, and work to the Marholm Brook are required to enable construction of the new track. The design and alignment of any watercourse impacted by the project is being discussed with Peterborough City Council and the Environment Agency to ensure that we maintain and, where possible, assist in improving the water quality in the area, whilst not increasing flood risk. We are aware of the wildlife in the area (including protected species) and will mitigate impact to, and where practicable, enhance their habitat. Examples of mitigation methods include the diversion of Brook Drain and creating a sinuous channel with some south facing slopes in order to provide suitable basking sites for the common lizard and habitat for the four-spotted moth. We are happy to work with local stakeholders to identify other opportunities to enhance the area and encourage feedback on our proposals to date. Landscape and Visual Assessment One of the key reasons for selecting the dive-under was the reduced visual impact on the local area. An artist s impression has been prepared to give an indication of how the project will look once complete. We are assessing the potential impact of the dive-under which will be reported in the ES. (Before) artist s impression of the view from Hurn Road footbridge showing existing landscape Hurn Road A15 Papyrus Business Parc (Year 1) artist s impression of the view from Hurn Road footbridge showing the project during first year of operation Proposed cutting (Year 10) artists impression of the view from Hurn Road footbridge showing the project at 10 years. Proposed cutting with mature planting

7 Local Considerations Maintaining Access The existing bridge beneath the A15 provides vehicle access to Hurn Road from the A15 southbound and pedestrian access to bus stops in laybys located on both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the A15. The bridge allows access to the pedestrian and cycle route that runs from Lincoln Road to David s Close. Alternatives to these routes will be provided during the construction period and on completion to enable access to the bus stops along the A15 and the pedestrian, cycle and equestrian link between Hurn Road and Lincoln Road. These links will be adopted by Peterborough City Council. Noise and Vibration We appreciate that a key theme in feedback received to date has related to noise and vibration impacts of the railway. Noise and vibration are key considerations in the EIA. A noise impact assessment will be undertaken to determine the likely effects of construction and operation of the additional ECML traffic and determine if any mitigation measures are required. Normal site working hours will be 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. Safety is our number one priority and for this reason some of the work will be required to be carried out while trains are not running. Residents will be notified prior to any night time and Sunday working. Some periods of overnight and Sunday working will be required throughout including a longer period in 2019 whilst the main part of the dive-under is installed under the railway. Mitigation methods could include the monitoring of working and delivery hours and the use of appropriate construction plant and techniques. It is likely some hammered piling will be required due to firm ground around the site. We will ensure the local community are kept up to date with our plans throughout the construction process. Brook Drain from Cock Lane Bridge Brook Drain and Cock Lane Bridge

8 Construction Management Our contractor is a member of the Considerate Contractor Scheme. A Construction Environmental Management Plan and a Code of Construction Practice will be put in place to ensure that construction traffic and activities are managed and impacts on the local community minimised. The proposed locations of the construction compounds are shown on the plan on this panel. Vehicle access to construction compounds will primarily be via the nearby network of A roads. During construction vehicular access to the A15 for local residents will be maintained. We are working with utility providers to arrange any necessary diversions for utilities infrastructure. Examples of the construction practices we will apply include the use of damping down and wheel washing equipment which will help to minimise dust. Construction noise impacts The construction of the scheme will be managed and monitored under a Construction Environmental Management Plan. The construction equipment used during works means that some disturbance is unavoidable, but we will make every effort to minimise unnecessary noise. We will look at ways to minimise disruption and will manage construction activities carefully to ensure we do not go above a pre-agreed level. We will provide advance warning of any night work that may cause disturbance. Legend Existing Track Extent of Track Works Proposed Rail Dive-Under* Proposed Work Areas During Construction* Proposed Construction Compounds Site Access Point Main Construction Access Points *Indicative Bing Maps Aerial - Getmapping plc 2016 GeoEye 2016 Intermap Earthstar Geographics SIO 2016 Microsoft Corporation Construction Access Plan

9 Next Steps and How to Stay Involved In order for your views to be considered please complete the response section in the leaflet available today and drop it into the box provided. Alternatively you can post this to us at the freepost address provided on the feedback section of the leaflet. You can also respond online using the response form on our website at: The feedback period is open from 7 September - 3 October Key dates and your opportunities to stay involved as the TWAO application progresses are outlined below. Key dates and how to stay involved We are here 7 September - 3 October 2016 Stage two - pre-application public consultation - the preferred option Your opportunity to have your say December 2016 Submit Transport and Works Act Order application to the Secretary of State for Transport Notification that the application has been submitted will be issued to specific stakeholders and to the general public through a press release and on our website. The full application will be made available online and in specific local locations. Spring/Summer 2018 Secretary of State decision Autumn 2018 Construction begins (subject to consent) Ongoing engagement during construction End of 2020 Construction finishes If you would like to contact the Project Team you can do so using the contact details provided in the leaflet. Thank you for coming to today s event. We look forward to hearing from you.