A40 PENBLEWIN to REDSTONE CROSS IMPROVEMENTS STAGE 3 SCHEME ASSESSMENT REPORT July 2020 CONTENTS

A40 PENBLEWIN TO REDSTONE CROSS IMPROVEMENTS STAGE 3 SCHEME ASSESSMENT REPORT July 2020 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 EXISTING CONDITIONS 3

3 WHY THE SCHEME IS NEEDED 4

4 POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 5

5 HISTORY OF THE PROJECT 6

6 THE SCHEME 8

7 THE COSTS 12

8 ENGINEERING ASSESSMENTS 13

9 WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EXISTING ROAD? 17

10 TRAFFIC AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT 18

11 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 20

12 FURTHER INFORMATION 21

13 YOUR VIEWS 22

ISBN Number: 978-1-80038-689-1 Welsh Government Ref No: qA1397254 © Crown Copyright www.gov.wales

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 1 INTRODUCTION

The Welsh Ministers are responsible for trunk roads in Wales. The A40 west of St Clears provides a key trunk road link between south-east Wales and Haverfordwest, which is a gateway town to the ports of Milford Haven and Fishguard, as well as the tourist economy of central and north Pembrokeshire. The St Clears to Haverfordwest section of the A40 historically connected small villages and as such, many sections of the A40 passed through these communities, leading to issues around severance, air and noise concerns and safety problems. There is currently limited safe overtaking provision on the A40 between Haverfordwest and St Clears, which causes unreliable journey times and driver frustration, especially in busy summer months. After considering a range of potential options, the Welsh Ministers propose a new section of A40 Trunk Road over a length of 1.76km to the south of the existing A40 trunk road between Penblewin Roundabout and Redstone Cross. The redundant sections of existing A40 road between Penblewin Roundabout and Redstone Cross would be reclassified and cease to be a trunk road, with ownership reverting to the local highway authority. The proposed Scheme is named the A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements (referred to hereafter as the “Scheme”). The Scheme location is shown in Figure 1. This document is a Scheme Assessment Report (the “SAR”), which describes the proposals in non-technical language, focusing on the non-environmental aspects. The history of the Scheme and the background to route selection are explained in this document. A full description of the proposed Scheme is provided in Section 2 of the Environmental Statement (the “ES”). This SAR accompanies the ‘draft Statutory Orders’ published for the Scheme. These set out: the rights (under the Highways Act 1980) which the Welsh Minsters would have to construct the Scheme; the land that would be required to build the Scheme; and the environmental mitigation work that would be involved. There are three draft Statutory Orders: a. The London to Fishguard Trunk Road (A40) (Penblewin to Redstone Improvement and De-trunking) Order 202- (hereafter called the “Line Order”); b. The London to Fishguard Trunk Road (A40) (Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvement) (Side Roads) Order 202- (hereafter called the “Side Roads Order” or “SRO”); and c. The Welsh Ministers (The London to Fishguard Trunk Road (A40) (Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvement)) Compulsory Purchase Order 202- (hereafter called the “Compulsory Purchase Order” or “CPO”). The draft Statutory Orders were published on 29 July 2020. This SAR does not cover the environmental aspects of the Scheme in detail; these are provided in the ES. The ES identifies the main environmental effects of the Scheme and describes the proposed measures to avoid, remedy, or reduce these effects and provide environmental enhancement where practicable. A Non-Technical Summary (the “NTS”) is also available which describes the ES in plain language. This SAR should be read alongside the NTS.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 1 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report Figure 1: Scheme location

Figure 2: Mix of traffic types using the A40 (looking west towards Redstone Cross)

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 2 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS

The A40 between St Clears and Haverfordwest is generally a single carriageway of 7.3m width. There are six sections that give dedicated overtaking opportunities, two eastbound and four westbound. This amounts to some 13% of the total 32.5km length, which is well below the 30% ratio advised for this type of route. Where dedicated overtaking opportunities do exist, they are currently not spread along the length of the A40. As such, there are long lengths in each direction with no safe overtaking opportunities. There are various types of junctions along its length including at-grade roundabouts, staggered crossroads, simple T-junctions (with and without ghost islands) and approximately 200 direct accesses to properties, farms and fields.These contribute to operational issues along the route. Several properties front the trunk road and have direct access onto it. Forward visibility on the road is poor, below desirable minimum in places, meaning there is an increased risk of collisions with vehicles at the direct accesses. The junction at Redstone Cross is below modern design standards. Poor visibility and substandard junction layout can lead to severe road accidents. Accident severity is significantly higher than the statistical average for the standard of road. Overtaking manouvers were the primary cause of accidents between Penblewin and Redstone Cross. At Redstone Cross, the road layout was a contributary factor for several accidents. A fatality occured at Redstone Cross Junction in 2018. Limited overtaking opportunities lead to poor journey time reliability and driver frustration. This can result in risky overtaking manoeuvres and increased risk of collision incidents. Regular heavy goods vehicle convoys from the ferry ports and slow-moving agricultural vehicles contribute to periods of platooning and journey time unreliability. Seasonal spikes in traffic volumes along the A40 (particularly during the summer months) lead to slow moving traffic causing journey time unreliability, which is exacerbated by limited overtaking opportunities. The mix of traffic types which use the road contribute to journey time unreliability, driver frustration, risky manoeuvres and collision incidents. A lack of strategic public transport connectivity in Pembrokeshire, generally means there is a dependence on the private car for inter-urban connections.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 3 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 3 WHY THE SCHEME IS NEEDED

The A40 is a route of national and international strategic importance, forming part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). At a regional and local level, it serves: the county town of Haverfordwest, the tourist economy of central and north Pembrokeshire, the port of Fishguard and the industrial town of Milford Haven to the south. Despite this, the section of the A40 between St Clears and Haverfordwest is a relatively poor-quality route. It has previously been described within the National Trunk Road Forward Programme as “one of the lowest standard sections of the Trans-European Road Network in the United Kingdom”. A Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG) study identified problems to be addressed on the A40 along the Penblewin to Redstone Cross corridor, which comprised a range of actual and perceived problems: 1. The A40 Redstone Cross Junction is below modern design standards. Poor visibility and substandard junction layout can lead to severe road accidents. 2. Limited overtaking opportunities lead to poor journey time reliability and driver frustration. 3. Occasional convoys of heavy goods vehicles from the ferry ports and slow-moving agricultural vehicles contribute to periods of platooning and journey time unreliability, which is exacerbated with limited overtaking opportunities. 4. Seasonal spikes in traffic volumes along the A40 especially during the summer months leads to slow moving traffic causing journey time unreliability, which is exacerbated with limited overtaking opportunities. 5. There are many side road junctions and direct accesses to properties and agricultural fields off the A40, which contribute to operational problems along the road. 6. A mix of traffic types use the road, contributing to journey time unreliability and driver frustration, risky manoeuvres and collision incidents. 7. A lack of strategic public transport connectivity in Pembrokeshire generally means there is a dependence on the private car for inter-urban connections.

Figure 3: The A40 at Redstone Cross Junction looking west

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 4 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 4 POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

These proposals support the direction and policy objectives of the Welsh Government as set out in its Programme for Government ‘Taking Wales Forward’ (2016) and National Strategy ‘Prosperity for All’ (2017), the ‘National Transport Finance Plan’ (2019), the ‘Wales Transport Strategy 2008’ and ‘Planning Policy Wales’ (2018). A wide range of legislation and policy documents were considered as part of the Scheme development work, including the Well-being and Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015, Environmental Act 2016, Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 and relevant Local Development Plans. Chapter 5 of the ES reports on all legislation and policy taken into account during Scheme development. Eight specific Objectives were agreed as part of the Welsh Transport Planning and Appraisal (WelTAG) Review Group. They are:

To enhance network resilience and improve accessibility along the east-west O1 transport corridor to key employment, community and tourism destinations. To improve prosperity and provide better access to the county town of O2 Haverfordwest, the Haven Enterprise Zone and the West Wales ports at Fishguard, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock. O3 To reduce community severance and provide health and amenity benefits. To improve the Redstone Cross Junction safety (including perceived safety) and O4 reduce the number and severity of collisions. To promote active travel by cycling, horse riding and walking to provide O5 opportunities for healthy lifestyles. To deliver a Scheme that promotes social inclusion and integrates with the local O6 transport network to better connect local communities to key transport hubs. Deliver a project that is sustainable in a globally responsible Wales, taking steps to O7 reduce or offset waste and carbon. Give due consideration to the impact of transport on the environment and provide O8 enhancement when practicable.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 5 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 5 HISTORY OF THE PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES

A great deal of development work has previously been undertaken and informed both the location of planned improvements and the preferred design of any highway improvements along the A40 between St Clears and Haverfordwest. In November 2001, the National Assembly for Wales published The Transport Framework for Wales. This outlined that the east-west transport corridor in West Wales had been the subject of a multi-modal study, which concluded that the A40 west of St Clears was in need of improvements. In March 2002, the Trunk Road Forward Programme (TRFP) was published and included the A40 west of St Clears. The aforementioned multi-modal study considered public transport improvements and it was concluded that the costs associated with enhanced passenger services were likely to exceed revenue, thus requiring an operating subsidy. It was also acknowledged that improvements to public transport would not reduce the amount of traffic on the A40 trunk road. Early work therefore steered the decision to pursue road-based enhancements on the A40 and a route options study explored single and dual carriageway options. In 2004, two major single carriageway improvement schemes for the A40 west of St Clears were announced: a. A40 Penblewin - Slebech Park b. A40 Llanddewi Velfrey - Penblewin. The first of these projects, Penblewin - Slebech Park, was completed in March 2011. In July 2013, Edwina Hart AM CStJ MBE, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, published a written statement outlining her priorities for Transport. The statement included the following: “Improving the A40 has been identified as a priority by the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone Board and I intend to undertake further development of previously proposed improvements.” In 2014, WG commissioned an update to the work completed in 2004 (and reviewed in 2008) to evaluate whether changes to conditions in the region warranted additional transport interventions along the A40. This included the appraisal of options at Redstone Cross. In 2017, attendees at the Public Information Exhibition for the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin Improvements expressed their support for further improvements to the A40 between Penblewin and Redstone Cross. In August 2018, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates AM, confirmed in writing to the Senior Coroner in response to the inquest into the death of a driver joining the A40 at Redstone Cross, that investigations would be commenced to look at improving junction safety and providing more safe overtaking opportunities along the length of the A40, which included improvements at Redstone Cross.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 6 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report In January 2019, Arup (supported by RML), began investigating the problems and developed potential effective solutions to address the transport related problems along the A40 between Penblewin Roundabout and Redstone Cross for the Welsh Government. In July 2019, draft Orders for A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin Improvements were published. A Public Local Inquiry (PLI) was held into the project in March 2020. The Welsh Government is awaiting the Inspectors Report. Further development work was undertaken for the A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross project. This resulted in several proposed route options (as shown in Figure 5, which is at the back of this document): • Option 1A - Northern Route with staggered junction at Redstone Cross; • Option 1B - Northern Route with no junction at Redstone Cross; • Option 2A - Southern Route with staggered junction at Redstone Cross. Following the feedback received at the first Public Information Exhibition, a further option, Option 2B – Southern Route with no junction at Redstone Cross, was developed, and further public engagement was undertaken. During a period of public consultation, July to September 2019, there was clear public support for Option 2B, along with support for Active Travel measures to be included in the detrunking proposals. Following the Public Consultation, Welsh Government published a Preferred Route in December 2019. A Public Information Exhibition was then held shortly after to explain to the public the developing proposals and to listen to the public’s feedback, which has been incorporated where possible.

Figure 4: North of the A40 carriageway looking south west towards the Blaenmarlais Care Home

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 7 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 6 THE SCHEME

The Scheme would comprise a 1.76km long Wide Single (WS) 2+1 Road. This would provide two lanes in the westbound direction and one lane in the eastbound direction throughout the Scheme. An example is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Example of Wide Single 2+1 Road (A477 St Clears to Red Roses)

New or diverted Private Means of Access would be provided to replace those affected by the Scheme. The Scheme would commence approximately 550m west of Redstone Cross where the existing ascending A40 passes the property known as Sodston Lodge. A new attenuation pond/basin (Pond A) would be provided south of the A40 and north-east of the property known as Jacob’s Park. Travelling east, the Scheme would leave the line of the existing A40 at Sodston Lodge along a single lane section which moves further to the south on its approach to the existing B4313 Redstone Road. East of Sodston Lodge, a new link road would provide west access / egress from the A40 to the existing Redstone Cross Road (B4313). The link road would leave the B4313 via a simple T-junction located opposite Blaenmarlais Care Home. This is shown in Figure 7.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 8 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report Hwlffordd (A40 arfaethedig) Bethesda Haverfordwest (proposed A40) (B4313) Fferm Redstone Redstone Farm

Hen A40 i Benblewin Old A40 to Penblewin

Arberth Narberth Sancler (A40 arfaethedig) (B4313) St Clears (proposed A40)

Cartref Gofal Blaenmarlais Blaenmarlais Care Home Figure 7: New Redstone Road layout (looking north west)

The link road would not be accessible from the proposed westbound A40. Instead, traffic travelling westbound along the A40 and heading to the north of Narberth and the Rush Acre Enterprise Park will be directed to use the existing A40 via the north western arm of the Penblewin roundabout. The link road would be accessible from the eastbound A40 via a new junction with a right turn refuge area in the central reserve, which would allow free-flowing traffic along the mainline whilst providing right turn traffic a safe refuge area whilst waiting for an opportunity to cross. The proposed Redstone Cross T-junction would provide access from the B4313 Redstone Road to B4313 Bethesda. The A40 section from the south of Sodston Lodge to the existing Redstone Cross Junction would be stopped up. The proposed A40 would only be accessible westbound (not eastbound) from the link road due to the insertion of a left-out only junction. A new attenuation pond/basin (Pond C) would be provided west of the link road. Continuing in an easterly direction from the new T-junction, the A40 would then begin to descend on a gentle gradient. The single lane section would widen to a westbound 2+1 overtaking section. To the north side of the Scheme would be properties at Redstone Cross and to the south the Blaenmarlais Care Home. The B4313 Redstone Road would cross the A40 on a proposed bridge and then join the detrunked A40 on the east side of the existing Redstone Cross junction. The old A40 would be detrunked and would become a local road and extend from Redstone Cross to Penblewin Roundabout.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 9 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report Figure 8: Proposed Redstone Road Overbridge (travelling westbound)

Overbridge for the B4313 Redstone Road (Narberth to Bethesda) The proposed overbridge would cross the A40 mainline directly north of Blaenmarlais Care Home; this is shown in Figure 8. The proposed bridge would maintain connectivity between Narberth and Bethesda, as well as residential/agricultural property located along the existing A40. The road width would remain consistent with the B4313 Redstone Road and a new combined cycleway/footpath would be provided along the overbridge on its eastern side. The B4313 Redstone Road would tie-in to the detrunked A40. A new attenuation pond/basin (Pond D) would be provided south of the detrunked A40 and B4313 Redstone Road tie-in. East of the B4313 Redstone Road and proposed overbridge, the A40 would continue the gentle left-hand curve to cross a small watercourse north of Blaenmarlais Care Home. Here the Scheme would gradually transfer from cutting to embankment to cross lower- lying land occupied by woodland. Whilst on embankment, the road would continue eastwards crossing two minor watercourses. An underpass would be introduced south-east of Blackmoor Hill Farm, this would be utilised as a farm underpass and provide access to a new attenuation pond/basin (Pond B). East of the underpass, the Scheme would enter a shallow right-hand bend towards Penblewin Roundabout.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 10 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report Gogledd Arberth (Redstone) (yr hen A40) North Narberth Hwlffordd (Redstone) (old A40) (A40 arfaethedig) Haverfordwest (proposed A40) Arberth Narberth (A487)

Clunderwen Fferm Penblewin (A487) Penblewin Farm

Sancler (Gwelliannau Llanddewi Felffre) St Clears (Llanddewi Velfrey Improvements)

Figure 9: The new Penblewin Roundabout (looking west)

Penblewin Roundabout At Penblewin, the Scheme would re-join the A40 trunk road at the enlarged roundabout previously proposed for the Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin Improvements scheme, which forms a separate set of draft Orders. The enlarged roundabout would extend further north and west than the existing and would serve the A40 trunk road, the A478 and the trunk road link to the Penblewin Rest Area. In addition, a sixth arm would be required for a new short link to the detrunked A40 west to Redstone Cross; this is shown in Figure 9.

Figure 10: Traffic on the A40 (looking east towards Penblewin roundabout)

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 11 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 7 THE COSTS

Cost Estimate The total cost of the Scheme including preparation, supervision, construction and land (excluding VAT and inflation to completion) is £23m (October 2018 prices). A breakdown of the estimated cost is provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Cost estimate Estimate Component (£000s) Preparation 489

Supervision 962

Construction 20,697

Land 890

Total (excluding VAT and inflation to completion) 23,021

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 12 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 8 ENGINEERING ASSESSMENTS

Engineering Standards The Scheme has been designed in accordance with all relevant national and local planning policies, plans and standards. There would be some Departures from Standards to reduce the impact on the environment. The new trunk road would have a speed limit of 60mph, with speed limits of 30mph imposed at Penblewin Roundabout. The detrunked A40 would be subject to a 40mph speed limit. Structures Five new principal structures would be required along the Scheme as follows: 1. Watercourse Culverts (Ch 0+420) – a series of 2 culverts, one running under the link between the B4313 and the A40, and one running under the A40 Mainline. Both culverts carry the new Scheme over an existing watercourse, whilst also providing ecological mitigation for bats and other mammals. 2. Redstone Road overbridge (Ch 0+570) - a 28m long, 16m wide and 5.3m high (in terms of vertical clearance) one span bridge carrying B4313 Redstone Road (single carriageway public road with shared footpath for cyclists and pedestrians) over the Scheme. 3. Ecological Culvert (Ch 0+840) – a 38m long, 2m high by 3m wide culvert. The culvert provides an important ecological corridor from one side of the Scheme to another in an area of woodland sensitive to ecological receptors. 4. Cattle Underpass (Ch 1+150) – a 71m long, 3m wide by 2m high underpass to provide access between severed parcels of agricultural land for cattle and small agricultural vehicles. The underpass would also provide ecological mitigation for bats and other mammals. 5. Farm Access Underpass (Ch 1+380) - a 96m long (81m excluding wing walls), 4m wide and 3.2m high structure carrying the Scheme over an existing watercourse. The underpass also provides access between severed parcels of agricultural land for larger agricultural vehicles, as well as access for maintenance of the proposed attenuation pond. The underpass would also provide ecological mitigation for bats and other mammals. Walking, Cycling and Horse-riding Infrastructure There are two PRoWs in the immediate vicinity of the Scheme. Neither would be directly affected by the Scheme. There are no footways along the section of A40 within the Scheme, instead a grass verge (of varying width) borders the length. This is despite the section of A40 between Penblewin Roundabout and Redstone Cross being in the close vicinity of residential properties and a recognised footpath (PRoW).

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 13 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report The Scheme would greatly reduce the volume of traffic on the existingA40. In addition, a reduced speed limit of 40mph is being considered. The combination of these provisions would greatly benefit walking, cycling and horse-riding on this road. Improvements to the old A40 would be developed and delivered in agreement with Pembrokeshire County Council. Currently, there are no crossing facilities available along the A40 in the vicinity of the Scheme. If the proposals proceed, a crossing facility is being considered on the detrunked A40 west of Blackmoor Hill Farm. This uncontrolled pedestrian/cyclist crossing facility would provide continuity for the segregated shared-use cycle/footway. The new Redstone Cross overbridge would provide a connection from the detrunked A40 to Narberth village. The new shared cycle/footway would continue along the length of the Redstone Road overbridge. North of Penblewin Roundabout, an uncontrolled crossing facility would be provided on the A478. This would connect the walking, cycling and horse-riding facilities in the Scheme with the facilities proposed on the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin Improvements. Further information is provided in Section 9 regarding the proposals for promoting active travel opportunities along the existing road after construction of the Scheme, thereby enhancing walking, cycling and horse-riding facilities. Land Use The Scheme would require approximately 21.5 Hectares (ha) of land. This is mostly Grade 3b land i.e. moderate quality agricultural land. Seven agricultural businesses would be affected to varying degrees both during construction and following completion of the Scheme. Approximately 0.9 ha of land would be required temporarily to undertake construction works and temporary traffic management operations. This does not include construction compounds; the details of which are not yet known. These areas would be occupied during the construction phase as required, before being returned to their original use and handed back to the landowners. A right to enter and re-enter around 1.2 ha of land would be required in order to construct and maintain highway assets such as mammal fencing, drainage features etc. Ground Conditions A ground investigation was carried out to inform the design of the Scheme and to ensure that the design of the structures and earthworks are appropriate for the existing geology and ground conditions. The geology below the Scheme alignment is typically highly fractured rock, however overlying the rock in the central area of the Scheme is a layer of superficial deposits.The rock is generally of the mudstone type, however there are some areas where siltstone and sandstones are present. The first few metres of rock below ground surface are generally weathered down to a clay or to a gravel. Groundwater is anticipated to be encountered close to the surface beneath the Scheme.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 14 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report The rock mass is known to have experienced significant stages of folding and faulting in the area with a number of synclines and anticlines close to the Scheme. This explains the varying topography along the Scheme alignment and the requirement for a number of cuttings and embankments to support the new highway. Proposed cuttings along the Scheme would require the excavation of material. This material would be used to build the proposed embankments where possible. The Scheme would: maximise reuse of excavated material to minimise the need to import, minimise the amount of waste generated, and minimise the need for movement of materials (waste and construction) on the local road network. The historical and current land use of the proposed alignment is predominantly agricultural. As a result, the risk of encountering potential sources of contamination is considered to be low. Drainage Road drainage infrastructure would include combined filter drains in cutting, and kerb and gully systems on embankment. These systems would collect the surface water and convey the flow through pipes into attenuation ponds/basins. The water would be infiltrated into the ground where possible. Where infiltration rates are deemed too low, flow restriction devices within the ponds/basins would reduce the rate of discharge to watercourses to greenfield runoff rates. The ponds/basins will also help to control the risk of water pollution from the highway. Existing watercourses would be maintained by constructing a number of culverts crossing beneath the Scheme. Flood studies and risk assessments have concluded that there would be no increased risk of pollution or flooding from the proposed Scheme. Road Lighting The proposed new section of trunk road would not generally be illuminated with road lighting; however, road lighting would be provided at the enlarged Penblewin Roundabout. Departures from Standards have been sought to reduce the environmental impacts of the Scheme, whilst maintaining an extent of lighting at Penblewin roundabout that is in- keeping with other roundabouts along the length of the A40 between Haverfordwest and St Clears. Public Utilities All owners and operators of the various water mains, gas apparatus, telecommunications and electricity lines have been consulted to establish how their equipment would be affected by the Scheme and to allow them to plan any diversions required.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 15 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report Construction If the Welsh Ministers decide to proceed with the Scheme, it is intended to start construction of the Scheme in the Autumn of 2021, and is estimated to take 12 months to complete. Following construction, the landscape aftercare and environmental aspects would be managed by the contractor for five years. At the start of construction, the site would be fenced off and site clearance would commence. Main site accesses would be located at each of the junction locations and use of the local road network would be restricted in accordance with the site Traffic Management Plan. Bulk earthworks would be prioritised through the Spring 2022 with mainline pavement completion in the autumn of 2022. Construction of B4313 Road Overbridge would commence in Autumn 2021. The other underpass structure would be constructed throughout 2022. Construction traffic would be managed to minimise disruption to the travelling public and businesses. Traffic management would be limited to the connections with the existing network at Penblewin Roundabout, Redstone Road and the tie in adjacent to the access of the property known as Jacobs Park. Pembrokeshire County Council will be consulted with over traffic management, in particular the Redstone Cross area and the construction of the new overbridge.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 16 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 9 WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EXISTING ROAD?

The majority of the Scheme would be constructed offline. The existing road would be detrunked and responsibility passed from the Welsh Ministers to Pembrokeshire County Council, the local highway authority. Consideration is being given to reducing the speed limit along this section to 40mph to align with the speed limit on Redstone Road. This would provide a safe and convenient route for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders between Penblewin Roundabout and Redstone Road overbridge. Options have been considered for improving this section of road for active travel. These proposals could include the provisions of a segregated shared-use cycle/footway along the detrunked A40 between the Penblewin Roundabout and the southern end of Redstone Road overbridge. The new shared cycle/footway could be separated from the highway by a 1.5m grass verge. This would provide a buffer for the pedestrian/cyclists from the highway. The detrunked A40 would remain the current width of 7.3m. Improvements to the old A40 would be developed and delivered in agreement with Pembrokeshire County Council. At Penblewin Roundabout, the existing road would tie-in to a new enlarged roundabout with an additional arm. The existing road, from Redstone Cross Junction to the proposed highway tie-in, south of Sodston Lodge, would be stopped up and the redundant area of carriageway would form part of the Scheme’s landscaping proposals.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 17 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 10 TRAFFIC AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

Transport Modelling The journey time benefits of the proposed bypass were determined by comparing the traffic conditions with and without the Scheme. The methodologies applied are all compliant with the technical standards and guidance as set out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) and Transport Analysis Guidance published by the Department for Transport (WebTAG) and Welsh Government (WelTAG). A variety of traffic data was used to develop a base year (2019) model, such as roadside interview records, junction turning counts, temporary and permanent automatic link counts and journey time data from GPS tracking data. ‘With’ and ‘Without’ Scheme forecast models were developed to assess the impact in the: • Opening year – 2022; • Design Year – 2037; and • Last year of forecast horizon – 2052. The forecast annual average daily traffic (AADT) at key locations is shown inTable 2.

Table 2: Forecast traffic flows Opening Year Design Year 2022 2037 Location Direction Without With Without With Scheme Scheme Scheme Scheme

Existing A40 West of Eastbound 5,660 5,660 6,360 6,360 Redstone Cross Westbound 5,910 5,900 6,660 6,670

Existing A40 Penblewin Eastbound 6,150 1,180 6,950 1,330 to Redstone Cross Westbound 6,100 970 6,920 1,140

Proposed A40 Eastbound - 4,970 - 5,610 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Westbound - 5,090 - 5,780 Proposed Connector Eastbound - 690 - 750 Road from A40 to Redstone Cross Westbound - 810 - 900

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 18 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report Economic Performance The economic performance of the Scheme was assessed by comparing the costs of the Scheme against the monetised benefits that would be achieved. The costs are made up of the base construction costs, which are adjusted for risk and optimism bias (a systematic bias for Scheme cost estimates to be too low). The benefits are accrued through journey time savings, vehicle operating cost savings, reductions in road accidents, as well as greenhouse gas, air quality and noise impacts. The relative benefits of the Scheme are assessed over a 60-year appraisal period. The Scheme’s economic performance is summarised in Table 3.

Table 3: Economic performance indicators (2010 prices, discounted to 2010, £000)

Component Estimate (£000s)

Present Value of Benefits (PVB) 4,240

Present Value of Costs (PVC) 15,743

Net Present Value (NPV = PVB - PVC) -11,503

Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR = PVB / PVC) 0.27

At this location in West Wales, the A40 forms part of the TEN-T Network and is an essential link between Ireland, South Wales, south of England, and further to continental Europe. This section of the A40 has an important economic and social function by providing access to employment and services. The Scheme would enhance accessibility to employment areas including those at Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone. Improved access to employment opportunities and enhanced conditions for the movement of people and goods along the TEN-T strategic route would support people and businesses to drive prosperity and reduce inequality. The proposed Scheme would provide a high-quality road built to modern standards, which would replace one of the ‘lowest standard sections of TEN-T in the UK’. The improvements would reduce the current actual and perceived barriers to investment in the region. It would provide an improved connection to key employment areas and communities in South-West Wales, forming part of the wider A40 enhancements, which is of strategic importance to the Welsh Government. Therefore, despite a low Benefit Cost Ratio, the Scheme would add resilience to the trunk and local road networks, reduce severance caused by the trunk road and provide reliable access to employment and services for local communities and for tourists.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 19 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 11 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Any person or organisation can now support or object to the draft Statutory Orders, suggest alternatives to the draft Statutory Orders, or comment on the Environmental Statement and/or the Statement to Inform an Appropriate Assessment. Depending on the nature and number of any objections and comments received to the published draft Statutory Orders, a Public Local Inquiry may be held before an independent Inspector. If a Public Local Inquiry is to be held, all those who have responded would normally be notified within four weeks of the end of the objection period and the Inquiry held within 22 weeks of that notification. Full details of the Public Local Inquiry would be confirmed, and notices would appear in the local press. All correspondence would be copied to the Inspector and kept in the Inquiry Library which would be available to the public. Publicity would be given to any feasible alternative proposal received within a time limit (to be specified) within the Public Inquiry Notice.

The Welsh Government’s Programme is:

Activity Key Dates What Does this Mean? Publication of Draft June 2020 These will set out the land that would be Orders and an required to build the Scheme and the Environmental Statement environmental mitigation work that would be involved. It would detail local accesses and provision of Private Means of Access. The public will then have the opportunity to formally object or support the Scheme or suggest an alternative. Potential Public Inquiry Late 2020 / If a Public Inquiry is required, an independent Early 2021 Inspector would hear evidence, in front of the public, from interested parties and stakeholders. The Inspector would make a recommendation to the Welsh Ministers on how to proceed. Welsh Ministers Decision Spring 2021 The Welsh Ministers would decide whether to to Make the Orders make Statutory Orders to go ahead with the construction of the project. Appoint Design & Build Summer The Contractor who will undertake the (D&B) Contractor subject 2021 detailed design and build would be appointed to Welsh Ministers by the Welsh Government. decision Commence Construction Autumn 2021 Works to build the new section of trunk road on Site would start. A40 Improvements Open Late 2022 The improved section of road would open.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 20 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report 12 FURTHER INFORMATION

All available documents and information can be viewed on the project website: https://gov.wales/a40-penblewin-redstone-cross-improvements-overview Hard Copies of the draft Orders, accompanying plans and map, the ES, the NTS, Determination Notice and the Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report, may be inspected free of charge at the deposit point listed below. Please note that, due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions, the documents deposited at the Queen’s Hall can only be viewed by prior appointment. To arrange to view the documents, please contact the Scheme Public Liaison Officer. Public Liaison Officer: Martin Gallimore Tel: 07923 887119 Email: [email protected] Deposit Point: Queen’s Hall 44 High Street Narberth SA67 7AS Additional copies of the published information may be obtained from the Welsh Government.

13 YOUR VIEWS

Should you wish to support or object to the draft Statutory Orders, put forward an alternative proposal, or comment on the Environmental Statement, you should write to the Welsh Government at the address below, quoting reference number qA1397254. Orders Branch, Transport, Department for Economic Infrastructure, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ All responses should be sent to arrive at the Welsh Government no later than 9 September 2020.

A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 21 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report A1

T r a Ca'rmaenau-fawr c k Bounty Farm Pond

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Issues 478 detailed on this drawing, note the following significant residual risks ROUTE OPTIONS HENEBION COFRESTREDIG SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENT (Reference shall also be made to the design hazard log) CROSS IMPROVEMENTS GWELLIANNAU ARFAETHEDIG YR Construction Client T r

A40 LLANDDEWI FELFFRE I BEa NBLEWIN None OPSIWN 1A - LLWYBR GOGLEDDOL GYDA CYFFORDD-T CROESOGAM AM GYFFORDD MAENCOCH OPTION 1A - NORTHERN ROUTE WITH STAGGERED T-JUNCTION AT REDSTONE CROSS c k Issues PROPOSED A40 LLANDDEWI OPSIWN 1A AC OPSIWN 1B OPTION 1A AND OPTION 1B Suitability VELFREY TO PENBLEWIN Maintenance / Cleaning S0 INITIAL STATUS OR WIP None IMPROVEMENTS OPSIWN 1B - LLWYBR GOGLEDDOL HEB CYFFORDD AM GYFFORDD MAENCOCH OPTION 1B - NORTHERN ROUTE WITH NO JUNCTION AT REDSTONE CROSS Scale at A1 1:2,500

OPSIWN 2A - LLWYBR DEHEUOL GYDA CYFFORDD-T CROESOGAM AM GYFFORDD MAENCOCH OPTION 2A - SOUTHERN ROUTE WITH STAGGERED T-JUNCTION AT REDSTONE CROSS Rev By Chkd Appd Auth Use AC ------OPSIWN 2A AC OPSIWN 2B OPTION 2A AND OPTION 2B None P01.1 Date Date Date Date Issues OPTION 2B - LLWYBR DEHEUOL HEB CYFFORDD AM GYFFORDD MAENCOCH OPTION 2B - SOUTHERN ROUTE WITH NO JUNCTION AT REDSTONE CROSS Delivery Team 17/04/20 -- -- 92.7m -- Decommissioning / Demolition P01.1 17/04/20 FIRST DRAFT AC ------Name None Rev. Date Description By Chkd Appd Auth A40PRC - ARP - HML - M02 -G DP R - D - 0001 Project Originator Volume Location Type Role Number Collects Pond Spring Pond GP Pond Spring 0 RDD YR A4 CEFNFFO ROAD Lay-by RUNK A 40 A40 T GP GP GP 95.1m GP 82.9m 97.8m Pen-blewyn Lay-by Collects TCP GP Blackmoor Hill Farm 41.1m YSGOL Y CASTELL CASTLE SCHOOL FB LB The 1 House Slurry Bed Tra Broomley CYLCHFAN PENBLEWIN ck GP E D PENBLEWIN ROUNDABOUT Sodston Manor 0 CRUGIAU B D A4 Blackmoor Hill d

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A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 22 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report A1

T r a Ca'rmaenau-fawr c k Bounty Farm Pond

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Issues 92.7m

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A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 23 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 24 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report A40 Penblewin to Redstone Cross Improvements 25 Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report