DESIGN MANUAL FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES PART 7 HA 92/01 SCHEME DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION & MANAGEMENT SUMMARY This Advice Note provides illustrative guidance on the use of the functions and elements in the development, implementation and management of new schemes and existing Highways. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE This is a new document to be incorporated into the manual. 1. Insert HA 92/01 into Volume 10, Section 0. 2. Archive this sheet as appropriate. Note: A quarterly index with a full set of Volume Contents Pages is available separately from The Stationery Office Ltd. February 2001
DESIGN MANUAL FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES HA 92/01 THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES CYNULLIAD CENEDLAETHOL CYMRU THE DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT* Scheme Development, Implementation & Management * A Government Department in Northern Ireland Summary: This Advice Note provides illustrative guidance on the use of the functions and elements in the development, implementation and management of new schemes and existing Highways.
Volume 10 Section 0 Part 7 HA 92/01 Registration of Amendments REGISTRATION OF AMENDMENTS Amend Page No Signature & Date of Amend Page No Signature & Date of No incorporation of No incorporation of amendments amendments February 2001
Registration of Amendments Volume 10 Section 0 Part 7 HA 92/01 REGISTRATION OF AMENDMENTS Amend Page No Signature & Date of Amend Page No Signature & Date of No incorporation of No incorporation of amendments amendments February 2001
DESIGN MANUAL FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES PART 7 HA 92/01 SCHEME DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION & MANAGEMENT Contents Chapter 1. Introduction 2. Option Assessment/Preliminary Design 3. Local Network Improvements 4. Communication and Signage Projects 5. Environmental Improvements 6. TPI/National Road Improvement Schemes IMPORTANT NOTICE Due to unforeseen circumstances the attached figures 1-7, in document HA92/01 of DMRB Volume 10 Section 0 Part 7, are not available on this edition of the CD-Rom, but will be available on the November 2001 edition. However, hard copies of figures 1-7 are available from The Stationery Office, contained within the document itself, which can be purchased by telephoning 0870 600 5522 and quoting the ISBN number 011 552 277 8. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. 7. Handback/Database Requirements Figure 1 Local Network Improvements - Stage 1: Option Assessment Figure 2 Local Network Improvements - Stage 2: Public Consultation Figure 3 Communications - Environmental Impact Appraisal Figure 4 Environmental Improvements - Hard Landscaping, Planting - Sketch Design Figure 5.1 National Schemes Appraisal - Stage 1/2: Route Options Figure 5.2 National Schemes - Stage 2: Public Consultation Figure 5.3 Figure 6 Figure 7 8. Enquiries National Schemes - Environmental Masterplan/Illustrative Design Design & Build/DBFO - Illustrative Design/Existing Road Handover/Management Plan Database February 2001
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 PART 7 HA 92/01 1.1 This part of the Advice Note provides illustrative guidance on the usage of the Functions/Elements codes and descriptions for various purposes. 1.2 The guidance and drafting style is not prescriptive, but is intended to illustrate the range of features and level of detail, that will be appropriate to show on scheme plans at various stages in the design and procurement process. 1.3 The technical guidance and procedures for the various stages of scheme development are given within other HA documents, including DMRB Volumes 10 and 11, and the Models Consultancy Agreements, and Model Contract Documents. 1.4 This guidance applies to the Highways Agency only. FEBRUARY 2001 1/1
CHAPTER 2 OPTION ASSESSMENT AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 PART 7 HA 92/01 2.1 At this stage, the designer may be considering a number of routes, alignment options, and construction solutions for a scheme, for further consideration and possibly public consultation. 2.2 It is therefore necessary to collect and record on plans all the existing Environmental features that may influence the design and/or choice of option. These may include any of the Elements from the Landscape, Environmental, and Planning Series, and the coverage may extend a considerable distance from the site, the extent being appropriate to cover potential environmental impacts. 2.3 It will not always be appropriate at this stage to include the Element Codes or Functions on the plan, as these may be changed to match the selected option. Their inclusion or not will depend on the nature of the scheme, the degree of third party consultation, and the level of detail considered necessary to adequately assess the environmental impacts/benefits of the scheme/options. 2.4 Preliminary mitigation measures however, where included should be coded in terms of both Element and Function. 2.5 Notes or features may also need to be included on the plans relating to other NATA objectives, such as safety, accessibility, or integration, particularly where these represent all or part of the purpose of the improvement. 2.6 The key would cover only those elements from the series that are relevant to the specific site and are thus shown on the plan. It is recommended that colour choice enables differing features to be overlaid. 2.7 For extensive complex schemes, it may often be appropriate to show different Element Types on separate plans, eg Planning, Heritage, Nature Conservation and Landscape. This choice may be influenced by the need for landtake or otherwise, and/or whether the scheme is likely to be subject to full Environmental Impact Assessment, or go through formal Public Consultation and Inquiry. 2.8 Figure 1 assumes that the Environmental Assessment is following DMRB Volume 11 Stage 2. FEBRUARY 2001 2/1
CHAPTER 3 LOCAL NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 PART 7 HA 92/01 3.1 This category covers network improvements, or combined maintenance/improvement schemes, that are being developed to fulfil one or more for transport, ie Economy, Environment, Safety, Accessibility and Integration. They may vary in scope, from a minor junction remodelling or signage improvement, to an online widening scheme, or new grade-separated junction. The Environmental Designer will thus need to select a style and area coverage to adequately illustrate the proposals, the extent of environmental impact, and all mitigation measures. 3.2 The level of Environmental Assessment will normally follow Stage 2 of DMRB Volume 11, or may combine Stage 1, 2 and 3. Full EIA may not be required and assessors need to be selective and undertake a level of assessment appropriate to the nature of the scheme and its potential impact. For a central-reserve lighting scheme, for example, the masterplan would not need to illustrate such features as TPOs, agricultural/land-use categories. However adjacent ecological sites would be relevant if potentially affected, as would designated areas (where consultation will be required or that could be adversely affected). 3.3 As the proposals will normally be subject to some form of Public Consultation, the Functions and Elements for proposed mitigation need to be shown together with site-specific explanatory notes. 3.4 For carriageway improvements or capital maintenance schemes where the works are initially considered not to affect either the soft estate or off-site areas an environmental masterplan will often not be appropriate. It is important, however, that in every case the highway designer consults with their Environmental Manager, to ascertain whether any Elements exist, on-or off-site that need protection driving construction, or act as constraints influencing the design of specification, or such as an SDA, that require formal consultation with the appropriate Statutory Bodies. Figure 2 illustrates a typical local network improvement plan. FEBRUARY 2001 3/1
CHAPTER 4 COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNAGE PROJECTS VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 PART 7 HA 92/01 4.1 Communications and signage projects are on an integral part of the objectives of improving the highway networks. The projects may include a combination of cabling routes, feeder pillars, overhead gantries, lit or unlit signs, variable message signs/gantries, and other features such as tall camera masts, speed cameras, and physical or non-physical measures to control traffic speed or routes. 4.2 These projects must be subject to the same procedures for appraisal and Environmental Assessment as other highway construction/improvement schemes. The level of assessment will depend on the nature of the project, and focus only on the predicted impacts of construction and operation. The information contained within the Environmental Database, supplemented by site assessment, will often provide all the relevant base data required. 4.3 Assessment should be undertaken during the design stage, to enable avoidance of potential damage to existing woody vegetation or areas of nature conservation value; and visual impact of structures and associated lighting/signage on the surrounding property and landscape. 4.4 The initial Environmental Assessment will normally be undertaken by the overseeing Organisation s designer, allied with the Appraisal in accordance with NATA in order to identify constraints and incorporate any modifications. The detailed assessment, which in some cases may merit EIA may be undertaken either by the scheme promoter, as part of the regulatory and approval processes. 4.5 Figure 3 illustrates a typical communications and signage plan. FEBRUARY 2001 4/1
CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 PART 7 HA 92/01 5.1 The identification of opportunities, design, and implementation of environmental improvement schemes on the trunk road network now forms an integral part of the Managing Agents role. 5.2 The scope of such improvements will vary enormously, from minor planting schemes, biodiversity enhancement measures, noise mitigation, water quality protection measures, to major townscape improvements in urban areas. 5.3 Generally procedures are similar to other Network Improvements, with sufficient detail provided in the NATA Appraisal Summary Table to establish the benefits. Environmental Assessment to Stage 2/3 may be required for schemes such as noise barriers, where some negative landscape or other effects are predicted. 5.4 In certain instances, public consultation may be appropriate, and in this case the guidance given in Chapter 3 and Figure 2 would then apply. 5.5 Environmental Improvements may require some form of preliminary sketch design prior to approval, in which case the Function and Element may be used, or alternatively explanatory notes on the drawings. Procurement of these improvements will normally be via the Term Maintenance Contract, or by conventional tender, both requiring detailed design drawings and specification. As there is seldom any Contractor-Design input the use of Functions and Elements within the drawings/ documents is thus unnecessary. 5.6 Figure 4 represents a typical Environmental Improvement Plan. FEBRUARY 2001 5/1
CHAPTER 6 NATIONAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SCHEMES VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 PART 7 HA 92/01 6.1 This example reflects those improvements, or new roads, identified in the national or regional programme, and that will be subject to the full statutory processes, although in some cases no orders will be required if the scheme is proposed within existing highway land. 6.2 The procedures and guidance for the various stages in Environmental Assessment is given in DMRB Volume II, and the proposals for Public Inquiry will be defined by the overseeing organisation. 6.3 The proposed means of procurement may influence the style, content, and level of detail considered appropriate for the Environmental Masterplan and accompanying drawings and schedules, as in the case of Design and Build the Environmental Statement will form an important part of the Employer s Core Requirements. 6.4 As with other scheme types/stages, the presentation style and level of detail shown will be selected to suit the nature of the scheme, the complexity of construction, and range of environmental mitigation measures proposed. 6.5 The Environmental Masterplan should, as a core requirement, illustrate all the proposed Elements, together with their function(s), with the likely addition of brief explanatory notes for the salient features. Supplementary cross sections, photographs/montages, and typical details may be needed to more fully explain the proposals. 6.6 Existing elements that are relevant to the design, and/or act as constraints during construction or operation, will likewise be shown, but may not be coded, or may be detailed separately on plans such as Cultural Heritage features off-site or accommodation works, zone of visual influence, etc. 6.7 The Masterplan may, if appropriate, refer numerically to accompanying schedules, or relevant paragraphs within technical reports or the Environmental Statement. 6.8 Elements need to be shown subdivided into the detailed categories eg shrubs, woodland site. 6.9 Figure 5.1 represents a typical Scheme Assessment Plan for stage 1/2 assessment. Figure 5.2 represents a typical Environmental Masterplan drawing for stage 3 assessment (Environmental Statement). Figure 5.3 and Figure 6 represent typical Environmental Masterplans for inclusion in a contract. FEBRUARY 2001 6/1
CHAPTER 7 HANDBACK/DATABASE REQUIREMENTS VOLUME 10 SECTION 0 PART 7 HA 92/01 7.1 This chapter applies equally to all types of improvement scheme, irrespective of their size or nature, although procedures for data handover may vary. 7.2 Each scheme, once construction is completed, will be handed back to the overseeing organisation for operation and maintenance. Extended maintenance of parts of the scheme, such as landscape works, may be undertaken by the constructor, and in this case the Environmental Data may be provided in draft upon completion, for approval at handback of the various elements. 7.3 Prior to handback of any scheme, the overseeing organisation s maintaining agent will require an as-built plan record of all the relevant Environmental Elements, and their specific functions. 7.4 This data is required in order for the managing agent to update their database and associated plans, to budget for and programme any amended/additional maintenance or monitoring required and to identify operational constraints. For local improvements, this will normally comprise mapping in the database format detailing all elements/functions and feature references, with an associated schedule of the core datasets (refer to Part 6), along with any supplementary data that may be relevant. For larger schemes, and where public consultation/inquiries have been undertaken and/or an Environmental Statement published the handback data will also need to include details of formal commitments made by the overseeing organisation, which may influence future maintenance/operation, and need to be locationally referenced via the database. 7.5 Although not owned by the Highway Authority, details of off-site Landscaping and/or Accommodation Works should also be provided as records. Refer to OSP Advice Note for further guidance. 7.6 Land ownership boundaries, easements for access, and agreements regarding maintenance responsibilities should be provided separately, where known, of future reference. Land owned by the overseeing organisation, that may be outwith the Highway boundary should thus be included in the handback data, and included within the core database, with details of its current usage, and supplemental data. 7.7 Figure 7 represents a typical handover drawing. FEBRUARY 2001 7/1
Volume 10 Section 0 Part 7 HA 92/01 Chapter 8 Enquiries 8. ENQUIRIES All technical enquiries or comments on this Advice Note should be sent in writing as appropriate to: Divisional Director The Highways Agency St Christopher House Southwark Street London SE1 0TE M A GARNHAM Divisional Director Chief Road Engineer The Scottish Executive Development Department National Roads Directorate Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ J HOWISON Chief Road Engineer Chief Highway Engineer The National Assembly for Wales Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru Crown Buildings Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ J R REES Chief Highway Engineer Assistant Director of Engineering Department for Regional Development Roads Service Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street D O HAGAN Belfast BT2 8GB Assistant Director of Engineering February 2001 8/1