Welcome to this public consultation event for the proposed South Western Relief Road. Thank you for taking the time to come along.

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1 WELCOME Welcome to this public consultation event for the proposed South Western Relief Road. Thank you for taking the time to come along. The South Western Relief Road (SWRR) route is proposed in Stratford-on-Avon District Council s (SDC) Core Strategy, to relieve traffic congestion in Stratfordupon-Avon town and routes to the south and west of the town. It will also provide required highway mitigation measures for the proposed Long Marston Airfield Garden Village development. Here today are a number of representatives from the project team, who can discuss the proposed scheme with you and answer any questions you might have. Design work on the proposals is ongoing, and as such the information presented here today may be subject to change. TODAY S EXHIBITION COVERS THE FOLLOWING: Context Town Centre Relief Route Alignment Environmental Considerations Junctions Viaduct Options Bridge Options Alternative Structures Considered Next Steps This exhibition does not cover the Long Marston Airfield Garden Village, separate exhibitions have been held for this development on 5 September, 26 October, and 29 November 2017; details can be found at and Further details from today s exhibition can be found at: Planning Consultants: Lichfields Landscape Architects & Ecologists: FPCR Transport Engineers: mode transport planning Infrastructure Engineers: Peter Brett Associates

2 CONTEXT The SWRR connects to the Shottery Link Road (Western Relief Road). The Shottery Link Road will be a new strategic A road which provides a link from the A431 Evesham Road to the A46/Alcester Road. Planning consent has been granted for the Western Relief Road, and it is currently going through the Technical Approval process. It is due to be delivered prior to the construction of the SWRR. The route of the SWRR, as safeguarded in the Core Strategy provides a connection from the B439 Evesham Road/Luddington Road (and the Western Relief Road) to the A3400 Shipston Road and the B4632 Campden Road. The SWRR and WRR in combination provide a through route for traffic from the south of Stratford to the A46, avoiding the town centre and in particular the listed Clopton Bridge and thereby fulfill a longstanding aspiration of SDC and WCC. The chosen route and alternatives assessed are discussed in the SWRR Evidence Report produced in July 2017 by Warwickshire County Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council, which is available from the District Council s Website: RELIEF ROAD ALIGNMENT Western Relief Road South Western Relief Road

3 TOWN CENTRE RELIEF The development proposals have been considered using Warwickshire County Council s traffic model for Stratford-upon-Avon. The model has been subject to a rigorous audit process in order to ensure that it is fit for purpose for traffic forecasting. The traffic flow results shown for the SWRR have been extracted from a highlevel run of the traffic model and demonstrate that the proposed road attracts a significant volume of traffic of which 30-40% in the morning peak (08:00 to 09:00) and afternoon peak (17:00 to 18:00) is accounted for by Long Marston Airfield traffic for the stretch between Evesham Road and the B4632. Whilst these numbers may be subject to change with further detailed assessment work, the analysis confirms that the SWRR provides an alternative route for existing traffic that would otherwise have to travel through Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. THE AM PEAK (08:00-09:00) 9 junctions show improved capacity 60 junctions experience minimal change to capacity This represents an overall positive impact to approximately 90% of junctions in Stratford-upon-Avon THE PM PEAK (17:00-18:00) 7 junctions show improved capacity 52 junctions experience minimal change to capacity This represents an overall positive impact to approximately 80% of junctions in Stratford-upon-Avon The SWRR forms an integral part of Stratford s wider Transport Strategy, other elements of which are indicated below.

4 ROUTE ALIGNMENT The alignment for the SWRR has been developed in accordance with the principles of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) in consultation with WCC. This covers both the horizontal and vertical design, and aims to address numerous constraints such as proximity to residents, the River Avon, the River Stour and the Shottery Brook and their respective flood plains, the SSSI and other designated wildlife sites, the racecourse, natural topography, and the existing road network. SWRR Constraints Plan The Racecourse Meadows SSSI is designated for the unimproved grassland on seasonally flooded land which is a rare habitat type nationally. Designation as a SSSI confirms the grassland is a exemplar representation of this habitat which requires protection. Given the legal protection afforded to the SSSI and protective measures in local / national planning guidance, the alignment and design of the relief road have been driven to a large extent to minimise potential effects on the designated site.

5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS A host of other design and environmental considerations have also been addressed in consultation with SDC and WCC. New footway and cycle links will be provided, connecting with the existing network. Existing footpaths and cycle routes will be maintained, and suitable crossing points along the SWRR provided. Footways and Cycleways The vertical alignment design ensures sufficient clearance over the Greenway, allowing for the potential future reinstatement of railway Section with Greenway service and electrification along this route. Potential noise impacts Noise Map for Proposed Route of the SWRR are being carefully assessed as part of the design process. The section of road along the Shottery Brook will be provided with a 3m high noise barrier on the western side. This will take up less space than earth embankments, thereby maximising the distance between the works and existing properties. In keeping with the requirements for new road design, lighting will be provided for the new junctions. Low level lighting will also be provided for the bridge in order to minimise light pollution. The impact on the landscape and nearest residential properties are being carefully assessed. This scheme has the potential to impact air quality at locations across Stratfordupon-Avon. Detailed air quality modelling is being carried out to identify the extent of these changes both positive and negative and what the overall air quality impact will be.

6 JUNCTIONS LUDDINGTON ROAD / RACECOURSE ACCESS Originally intended to be a roundabout, but space restrictions, flood plain concerns, Shottery Brook and review of expected traffic movements have resulted in a priority junction with ghost island right turn lanes and a realigned access for the racecourse. The operation of the junction on race days has been carefully considered in conjunction with Stratford Racecourse. Whilst the detailed operational arrangements are the subject of agreements between Stratford Racecourse and WCC, the proposed junction is considered to result in an improvement of traffic flows. B4632 CLIFFORD LANE / CAMPDEN ROAD A roundabout, incorporating a left-turn filter lane from Campden Road onto the SWRR. Access to the existing business park will be moved to the SWRR, with ghost islands and right turn lane. A3400 SHIPSTON ROAD This junction will take the form of a roundabout, positioned off-line as far as possible to facilitate construction and minimise disruption during the construction works.

7 THE VIADUCT Two alternative principal construction options are proposed for the elevated section of the SWRR. ARCHES Different types of cladding can be used Mimics traditional bridges in the area, such as Clopton Bridge and the Greenway viaduct Wireframe model of approach viaduct with arches PIERS Functional design Maximises open space beneath approach viaduct Wireframe model of approach viaduct with piers Predicted Flood Map Each option would be designed to ensure that there was no increase in flood risk to third parties, in accordance with national and local policy

8 THE BRIDGE OPTION 1 DOUBLE ARCH BRIDGE Arch bridge + piers view 1 Arch bridge + piers view 2 This proposal is an elegant sculptural form. The asymmetrical arches respond to the flows of movement that run under the bridge: The larger arch identifies the larger span over the River Avon and the smaller arch identifies the smaller span over the Greenway. The materials have been chosen to blend with the earthy tones in the landscape and the weathered steel of the existing railway bridge. ADVANTAGES: Elegant A potential landmark The arches enable a thinner bridge deck DISADVANTAGES: Arches will be able to be seen from a greater distance Swan protection measures will need to be considered Vehicles are visible

9 THE BRIDGE OPTION 2 STEEL BOX GIRDER BRIDGE Steel box girder bridge + piers view 1 Steel box girder bridge + piers view 2 This proposal is a simple and modern form. Metal fins partially screen the vehicles from public view whilst allowing light to filter through, reducing the mass. Earthy toned materials have been proposed to respond to the surrounding landscape and the weathered steel of the existing railway bridge. There will be a subtle gradient of tone from one side of the bridge to the other. ADVANTAGES: Simple and effective It is less visible from a distance Vehicles are more shrouded DISADVANTAGES: The structural deck is deeper Appears to be more of a solid form from a distance

10 ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES CONSIDERED EARTH EMBANKMENT An earth embankment approach would use earth fill to construct the bridge approaches. This could be planted. Large culverts would be included to allow the continuation of flood flows. This option has been discounted as even with multiple culverts an increase in flood levels is predicted. In addition, the underlying ground conditions would require extensive ground improvements, though even those may not stop future movement and settlement of the approaches. Predicted Flood Map for Earth Embankment SINGLE ARCH BRIDGE A single arch bridge has been considered at the early stages, but discounted due to the size of the arch required and the associated visual impact in this location as a result of the height of the arch. Typical Single Arch Bridge TUNNEL Removes visual impact, but the northern portal would be in the flood plain, therefore increasing the potential flooding impact. Other issues include; greater construction impact, greater costs and increased risk from fire and accidents. RAISING THE GREENWAY Flood impact still pushes road alignment relatively high, especially northern approach. Greenway then needs extensive clearance over road, leading to long embankments

11 NEXT STEPS Landscape strategy All comments made will be considered before finalising our proposals. This will be done in conjunction with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Technical Approval process. Please do take a few minutes to fill in our feedback form and let us have your views. These can also be submitted via the website: Planning applications for both the SWRR and Long Marston Airfield Garden Village are expected to be submitted in May SWRR route