Road plan could see a north-south divide

We previously reported that transport chiefs had put plans to dual the southern link road – between Powick roundabout and Whittington roundabout – on the backburner in the belief that constructing the north-west link road – from Crown East roundabout to the Claines roundabout, including a new river crossing near Hallow – would bring more benefits to Worcester.

Reports by consultants Halcrow show there are many problems and potential risks associated with both sets of plans.

Meanwhile, Worcester News readers have been logging onto worcesternews.co.uk to have their say on the two proposed routes for the north-west link road – one sweeping south of Hallow and the other curving around to the north of the village.

The debate over whether to complete Worcester’s ring road, dual the southern link road, or do both, has reared its head again as a result of public consultation on the Worcester Transport Strategy.

That 20-year strategy, which would be delivered in two phases and could cost about £300 million, also includes new park and ride sites, improved railway facilities, including a new Norton Parkway station, and improved road junctions and foot and cycle links in and around the city.

Reports by Halcrow, commissioned by Worcestershire County Council last year but only recently published online following a Freedom of Information request, show in detail the problems facing transport chiefs should either scheme get funding at a time when the nation is struggling with its finances.

Outlined here are the key points contained within the two studies:

NOISE LEVELS

Southern link road: Traffic flow would increase considerably and could run close to homes on the edge of St Peter’s. However, more work is needed to assess the impact.

North-west link road: A number of properties could be adversely affected by increased noise but, again, more work is needed to assess the impact.

AIR QUALITY

Southern link road: The Halcrow 2007 report suggested the scheme may be detrimental to air quality along the A4440 but “potentially beneficial” to the city centre and the A449.

North-west link road: It may result in an overall reduction in public exposure to vehicular pollutants.

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT

Southern link road: Dualling would affect nationally important sites, including the Battle of Worcester site, while the floodplain would also have to be taken into consideration. Dualling would be “slight adverse” in parts and “moderate adverse” along Broomhall Way.

North-west link road: Both proposed routes potentially affect sites of national, regional and local importance, as well as listed buildings and conservation areas.

Watercourses, minor roads, footpaths and bridleways would also need to be negotiated. Both proposed routes would have up to a “large adverse” impact.

HISTORIC RESOURCES

Southern link road: Overall effect on cultural heritage considered to be “slight adverse” if dualling south, or “moderate adverse” if dualling north.

North-west link road: Due to the number and nature of key historic sites, any development in the areas suggested would have the potential to detrimentally affect the cultural heritage resource, both “above and below ground”.

BIODIVERSITY

Southern link road:If extensive mitigation works were undertaken in respect of protected species, the impact would be “moderate-adverse”.

North-west link road: Even if extensive mitigation works were undertaken, either road would have a “large adverse” impact.

WATER ENVIRONMENT

Southern link road: Little impact but loss of floodplain could have a “moderate to large” impact.

North-west link road: Could have a “moderate-adverse” impact based on uncertainties over flooding.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Southern link road: A cycle lane/footway is planned but an increase in noise and a reduction in air quality and visual amenity may deter walkers and cyclists.

North-west link road: A cycle lane/footway is planned but because footpaths and bridleways will be affected, the impact is thought to be “adverse”.