A9 Dualling Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Volume 1 – (Part 1 & 2) August 2016

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A9 Dualling Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Volume 1 – (Part 1 & 2) August 2016 - A9 Dualling Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Volume 1 – (Part 1 & 2) August 2016 A9 Dualling Northern Section (Dalraddy to Inverness) A9 Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Notice This document and its contents have been prepared and are intended solely for Transport Scotland’s information and use in relation to A9 Dualling Northern Section (Dalraddy to Inverness). AtkinsMouchel assumes no responsibility to any other party in respect of or arising out of or in connection with this document and/or its contents. This document has 176 pages including the cover. Document history Document ref: A9P11-AMJ-HGN-Z_ZZZZZ_ZZ-RP-ZZ-0001 Suitability: For Review and Comment Revision Purpose description Originated Checked Approved Authorised Date P01 1st Draft GL MD CMcC RHG 09/08/16 P02 Final Draft GL MJD CMcC DH 10/10/16 P03 Final Draft 2nd issue GL MJD CMcC RHG/DH 05/12/16 P04 Final Issue GL IA/MJD CMcC RHG/DH 24/02/17 Client signoff Client Transport Scotland Project A9 Dalraddy to Slochd Document title DMRB Stage 2 Report Document A9P11-AMJ-HGN-Z_ZZZZZ_ZZ-RP-ZZ-0001 reference A9P11-AMJ-HGN-Z_ZZZZZ_ZZ-RP-ZZ-0001 i A9 Dualling Northern Section (Dalraddy to Inverness) A9 Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Stage 2 Report – Overall Structure Volume 1 – Main Report and Appendices Volume 2 – Engineering Figures Volume 3 – Environmental Figures A9P11-AMJ-HGN-Z_ZZZZZ_ZZ-RP-ZZ-0001 ii A9 Dualling Northern Section (Dalraddy to Inverness) A9 Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Table of contents Glossary of Terms v Part 1: The Scheme 1 1. Scheme Background 1 1.1. Background 1 1.2. Previous Studies 3 1.3. A9 Programme Level Assessments 5 1.4. National Policy Background 5 1.5. A9 Dualling Programme Objectives 7 1.6. DMRB Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report 8 1.7. Report Layout 8 1.8. Stakeholder Consultation 9 1.9. References 10 2. Existing Conditions 11 2.1. Introduction 11 2.2. Scheme Location and Environment 12 2.3. Existing Road Network 16 2.4. Geotechnical 21 2.5. Mainline Option 1 25 2.6. Mainline Option 1A 33 2.7. Mainline Option 2 34 2.8. Aviemore South Junction 39 2.9. Granish Junction 40 2.10. Black Mount Junction 41 2.11. Structures 42 2.12. Lay-bys 62 2.13. Average Speed Cameras 63 2.14. Traffic Flows 63 2.15. Existing Geometry 63 2.16. Road Pavement 67 2.17. Road Lighting 68 2.18. Road Restraint Systems 68 2.19. Signage 68 2.20. Public Utilities 69 2.21. Non-Motorised Users 70 2.22. Bus Services 70 2.23. Accidents 71 2.24. References 72 A9P11-AMJ-HGN-Z_ZZZZZ_ZZ-RP-ZZ-0001 iii A9 Dualling Northern Section (Dalraddy to Inverness) A9 Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report 3. Description of Route Options 73 3.1 Option Development 73 3.2. Cost Estimates 93 3.3. References 95 Part 2: Engineering Assessment 96 4.1 Introduction 96 4.2. Design Considerations 96 4.3. Design Approach 97 4.4. References 102 5.1. Introduction 103 5.2. Engineering Constraints 103 5.3. Mainline 105 5.4. Junctions Options 108 5.5. Local Roads & Accesses 112 5.6. Departures & Relaxations from Standard 115 5.7. Topography and Land Use 116 5.8. Hydrology 118 5.9. Geotechnics and Earthworks 124 5.10. Discussion 124 5.11. Structures 135 5.12. Public Utilities 158 5.13. Constructability 166 5.14. Operation and Maintenance 169 5.15. Non-Motorised Users 170 5.16. Engineering Assessment Summary 171 5.17. References 173 A9P11-AMJ-HGN-Z_ZZZZZ_ZZ-RP-ZZ-0001 iv A9 Dualling Northern Section (Dalraddy to Inverness) A9 Dualling Tomatin to Moy Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Glossary of Terms 1 in 200 year event A flood that has a 0.5% (1 in 200) or greater chance of happening each year. A’ weighting dB(A) The human ear does not respond uniformly to different frequencies. A- weighting is commonly used to simulate the frequency response of the ear. Above Ordnance Datum AOD The mean sea level at Newlyn (UK) used as a base measurement on Ordnance Survey Maps for contours. Abutment A structure that supports the end of the bridge or supports the bridge approach. Acid grassland Grassland that occurs on acidic soils (pH less than 5.5). Acoustics The study of sound, especially its generation, transmission and reception. Air Quality Management AQMA An area where the National Air Quality Strategy objectives are not likely Area to be achieved in all relevant locations. AQMAs are designated by local authorities following a review and assessment process. Air Quality Strategy AQS Sets out air quality objectives and policy options to further improve air quality. Alien species A species that exists outside of its normal distribution. Allocation A proposal for land for housing, industry or other uses within a Local Plan / Local Development Plan that identifies a specific area of land to be developed within the time period of the plan. Alluvium Sediment deposited by a river. Amber list species Bird populations in moderate decline or previously in severe decline but are recovering. Amenity grassland Intensively managed and regularly mown grasslands. These areas are typically of low diversity and limited wildlife and landscape value. Amenity value Defined as the relative pleasantness of a journey and relates in particular to the exposure of pedestrians and others to traffic. Ancient Woodland AWI Aims to list all probable ancient semi-natural woodlands on a county Inventory basis together with those woodlands in other ancient categories of lesser woodland nature conservation interest. Ancient Woodland Land that is currently wooded and has been continually wooded, at least since 1750. Annual Average Daily AADT Traffic flow expressed as 24 hour Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), Traffic that is the total annual traffic divided by 365. Area of Great AGLV An area designated by a local authority in development plans as being Landscape Value of outstanding scenic quality and character and requiring special protection against inappropriate forms of development. Area of Outstanding AOLQ An area designated by a local authority as being of exceptional Landscape Quality landscape quality and requiring special protection against inappropriate forms of development. Appropriate assessment AA An assessment of likely impacts associated with a development on a European Protected Site. An Appropriate Assessment is required by law under Regulation 48 of the Habitats Regulations (1994), implementing Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). Aquifer A body of rock through which appreciable amounts of water can flow. Arable land Land that is or can be used for growing crops. A9 Dualling Northern Section (Dalraddy to Inverness) A9 Dualling Dalraddy to Slochd Stage 2 Scheme Assessment Report Archaeological An archaeological watching brief is a formal programme of observation watching brief and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non- archaeological reasons. This will be within a specified area or site on land, where there is a possibility that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive. At-grade junction A type of junction where there is no height (grade) difference or separation between the traffic carriageways of a junction, e.g. a roundabout or a T-junction is an at-grade junction. Authority area The area administered by a local authority. Automatic Traffic ATC Temporary and / or permanent traffic counters to capture traffic volume. Counter Can also be set up to capture classification and speed of vehicles. A9 Dualling Traffic A9DTM12 S-Paramics microsimulation model covering the A9 from Inveralmond Model Roundabout to north of Daviot. Bait-marking A technique used for determining the territorial boundaries of badger social groups, involving the use of bait laced with coloured plastic pellets. Balancing pond Part of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS). The purpose of the balancing pond is to contain the surge of water during/after a storm and release it slowly/in a controlled way, thus preventing flooding and potential pollution. Bank toe reinforcement Strengthening to the base of a river or stream bank to prevent erosion. Baseline The existing conditions which form the basis or start point of the environmental assessment. Basic Noise Level BNL The baseline noise level at a reference distance of 10m away from the nearside carriageway edge, the calculation of which takes account of time period, vehicle flow, speed, % heavy vehicles, gradient and road surface. Bedrock Hard rock that lies beneath a superficial cover of soils and sediments. Best Practicable Means BPM Defined in the Control of Pollution Act 1974 as measures which are ‘reasonably practicable having regard among other things to local conditions and circumstances, to the current stated of technical knowledge and to financial implications’. Biodiversity Biological diversity or species richness of living organisms present in representative communities and populations. Biodiversity Action Plan BAP Sets objectives, along with measurable targets for the conservation of biodiversity. Biodiversity Document identifying the actions to be taken to ensure the maintenance Management Plan and long-term viability of priority species and habitats in a defined site or area, and the parties responsible for these actions. Broadleaved woodland An area of woodland with predominantly deciduous tree species (less than 10% coniferous trees in the canopy). Brownfield Industrial or commercial property or land that is abandoned or underused and often environmentally contaminated. Bund An embankment, wall or dam that can be used to minimise noise or alternatively built around an oil tank to contain the contents in the event of spillage. Burn A small stream.
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