A1(T) Elkesley Junction Improvements - Highways Agency

The results of the Scoping Assessment identified sensitive receptors within twokilometres of the proposed scheme that had the potential to be affected by anadverse or beneficial change in noise or vibration. Therefore, a Simple LevelAssessment was deemed required.This Simple Level Assessment has focused on the identification of changes in trafficrelatednoise impacts associated with the proposed scheme. The assessmentconsidered impacts for potentially sensitive receptors identified both within theexisting A1(T) corridor and those close to the proposed new slip and access roads.The scope of the assessment has been identified through consideration of thefollowing points:• Consultation with Environmental Health Officers (EHO) at Bassetlaw DistrictCouncil (BDC) to determine the type of noise assessment to be undertaken,taking into account any information on existing noise levels and noisenuisance;• Review of the proposed scheme, including existing and predicted traffic flows;• Identification of baseline noise levels along the existing and proposed routesby undertaking a short-term noise monitoring surveys for background noiselevels and model verification; and• Computer-based noise model predictions to quantify the traffic noiseassociated with the operational phase of the proposed scheme.The assessment has considered the potential for construction noise and vibration toresult in nuisance for residents or structural damage to properties within theproposed scheme corridor. The potential for traffic-related vibration during theoperational phase of the proposed scheme has also been considered.The results of the DMRB HA213/08 Simple level assessment undertaken informedthat due to the level of the predicted impacts associated with the proposed schemeno further assessment, beyond a Simple level assessment would be required.However, to provide a robust assessment of the scheme as proposed additionalassessment works, above that required at a Simple level have been undertaken.Method of AssessmentAssessment of the impact of noise and vibration in accordance with the DMRB(HA213/08) “Simple” level assessment requires a comparison of the predicted noiselevels resulting from the proposed scheme in operation (do something) with the preexisting(baseline) levels (do minimum). The predicted changes may then be judgedagainst known subjective effects and quantified with a view to minimising the impactof the scheme and assisting the design of suitable mitigation measures.For the purpose of this assessment, an impact is defined as a change in road trafficnoise level resulting from the scheme. An effect is the resulting effect on people andthe environment, for example, subjective annoyance.69