This chapter assesses
potential impacts during the construction of the road. The assessment has been based
upon available construction information for each route. Construction impacts on
Surface Water, Ecological and Cultural Heritage sites are addressed in separate
sections. The following significance criteria have been used:
|
Impact |
Significance Criteria |
|
Severe adverse impact |
More than 1 major river
crossing. Significant disruption during construction of other structures.
Deep cuttings for majority of route. Large quantity of material to be
excavated on site. Large quantity of material to be imported and exported on
local roads. Over 150 properties within 100m of the route. Significant
disruption to road users from crossing existing roads. |
|
Major adverse impact |
1 major river crossing. Major
disruption during construction of other structures. Deep cuttings for large
sections of route. Major amount of material to be excavated on site. Major
quantity of material to be imported and exported on local roads. Between 100
to 150 properties within 100m of the route. Major disruption to road users
from crossing existing roads. |
|
Moderate adverse impact |
Moderate disruption
during construction of structures. Deep cuttings at a number of locations
along route. Moderate amount of material to be excavated on site. Moderate
quantity of material to be imported and exported on local roads. Between 50
to 100 properties within 100m of the route. Moderate disruption to road users
from crossing existing roads. |
|
Minor adverse impact |
Minor disruption during
construction of structures. Deep cuttings at few locations along route. Small
amount of material to be excavated on site. Small quantities of material to
be imported and exported on local roads. Less than 50 properties within 100m
of the route. Minor disruption to road users from crossing a small number of
existing roads. |
|
No impact |
No significant effect. |
|
Minor beneficial impact |
Employment of local
construction companies/staff during the construction period. |
|
Moderate beneficial
impact |
Employment of local
construction companies/staff during the construction period. Use of local
materials and facilities. |
Whilst there is as yet no definite
plan for the phasing of the actual construction works, notwithstanding the
broad phasing indications given in the National Roads Needs Study, it has
nevertheless been assumed for the purpose of analysing construction impacts
that the scheme may be constructed in three phases as given below:
Phase 1 Macroom Bypass
Phase 2 Macroom to
Ballincollig
Phase 3 Ballyvourney to
Macroom
As the Yellow route
follows the existing N22 there is greater scope for the proposed construction
phasing to still provide operational benefits following completion of each
phase of the work. Phase 1 would be
constructed along the proposed alignment between Carrigaphooca and Coulcour,
where the construction of junctions with the existing N22 at the tie-in points
would facilitate continued access to the N22 following completion of this
Phase. The junction at Coulcour will
coincide with the proposed R584 junction.
There would be very little redundant construction to make this a
stand-alone phase.
Also, in terms of the
Yellow route benefits, the proposed Phase 2 works could be opened in sections
as construction was completed. On the
negative side however, construction close to and crossing the existing N22 will
tend to cause disruption to existing traffic during construction of the new
road and could take relatively more time to construct due to the phasing
requirements for work under traffic.
With respect to the
proposed Phase 3 works, should the Green/Link route be used, the Macroom bypass
(Phase 1) would require the construction of an approximately 1km long section
of temporary road to complete connection to the existing N22 near
Carrigaphooca, until Phase 3 is completed.
To the east of Macroom,
should the Yellow or Blue routes be used, the Macroom bypass (Phase 1) may require
the construction of a 200m long link to the existing N22 at the R584 junction
involving the construction of bridge to cross the Sullane River.
It should be noted that
the Green route does not intersect the existing N22 and therefore, should this
route be preferred, the construction of the Macroom bypass (Phase 1) would
still need to proceed as proposed to provide for the planned early relief of
congestion in Macroom. Additional
provision could then be made in the design and subsequent construction of the
Green route to allow for connection to the bypass and the N22 in the final
completed scheme.
The construction work
typically carried out during each Phase of the scheme is as follows:
Clearing and grubbing of
vegetation along the length of the road corridor. Typically, this work would be limited to the plan “footprint” or
effect of the road embankments / cuttings.
The cleared vegetation would be either disposed of off site or prepared (eg
mulched) and stored for future on site landscaping.
Machinery/resources typically involved with this element of the work would
include; tree lopping crews with power saws, vegetation mulching equipment,
excavation plant and haulage vehicles.
Again, this work would be
carried out along the length of the chosen route and limited to the plan
“footprint” of the road embankments / cuttings.
The stripped topsoil materials would be either disposed of off site or hauled
to stockpile sites if deemed suitable for future usage on site (eg
landscaping).
Machinery/resources
typically involved with this element of the work would include excavation plant
and haulage vehicles.
Excavation of cuttings
would include excavation of both rock and soil materials, suitable and
unsuitable for road construction.
Depending on a number of factors, including the chosen route, the
phasing of the work and the type(s) of materials encountered, activities
relating to the usage or disposal of the excavated material will vary. In general though the usage and disposal
activities will include one or more of the following:
·
Haulage
of excavated materials to adjacent or nearby fill areas for construction of
embankments, not requiring the use of the existing road network for haulage.
·
Haulage
of excavated materials to fill areas associated with construction of the
scheme, but requiring haulage along the existing road network.
·
Haulage
of excavated materials surplus to current requirements to stockpile(s) for
future use on the scheme. Possibly
requiring the use of the existing road network for haulage.
·
Haulage
of excavated materials off site for disposal.
The above activities are
covered in more detail in the following parts of this Section.
Machinery/resources
typically involved with this element of the work would include excavation
plant, rock breaking equipment, water bowsers and haulage vehicles.
Blasting of unweathered
rock in deeper cuttings may also be considered in lieu of mechanical methods
for excavation.
Haulage of surplus
material to stockpile sites would be carried out where suitable areas can be
located and if future need for the material is identified for construction of
the scheme. The location of stockpile
sites would be dependant on the route option(s) chosen for the scheme. The haulage to stockpile sites could be via
the construction corridor or on the existing road network. Machinery/resources typically involved with
this element of the work would include haulage vehicles, water bowsers,
spreading and compaction plant.
Haulage of surplus
material off site for disposal would be carried out where the excavated material
is unsuitable for the construction of embankments or a future need for the
material in the construction of the scheme is not identified. The location of disposal sites would be
determined based on local needs and relevant legislation covering this
activity. Haulage of the material for
disposal would be via the existing road network. Machinery/resources typically involved with this element of the
work would include haulage vehicles and water bowsers.
Haulage of material to
fill areas and construction of embankments would be carried out at various
sections along the length of the scheme.
The actual locations of this work depends on the chosen route. Material may be hauled from:- adjacent or
nearby cut areas via the construction / route corridor, along the existing road
network from cut areas elsewhere on the scheme, stockpile sites established
earlier during the construction of the scheme or borrow sites separate to the
construction of the scheme.
Machinery/resources typically involved with this element of the work
would include haulage vehicles, water bowsers, spreading and compaction plant.
Construction of surface
and subsurface drainage structures would be carried out as required to ensure
adequate drainage for road surfaces, protection and durability of the works,
and to minimise or avoid impact on local communities, current land uses and the
environment. Machinery/resources
typically involved with this element of the work would include delivery trucks,
storage compounds, excavation plant, haulage vehicles compaction plant and
water bowsers.
Construction of pavements
would be carried out along the entire length of the route. The type of pavement would vary little
throughout the route, however the need to vary the pavement design may arise
depending on local conditions and constraints.
Machinery/resources typically involved with this element of the work
would include pavement material delivery trucks, road paving plant, compaction
and finishing plant.
Construction of structures
would be carried out at a number of locations along the route for the crossing
of water courses and existing roads.
Machinery/resources typically involved with this element of the work
would include material delivery trucks, concrete placement, compaction and
finishing plant.
Other miscellaneous works
would typically include, but without limitation to, the installation of road
markings, roadside safety fencing, street lighting, signage, landscaping and
boundary fencing. These activities
would be carried out over a limited period of time have significantly less
impact.
Identification of existing
major service/utility networks within the Study Area was carried out during the
Constraints Study. The description of
these findings is contained in Section 3 of the Constraints Report, with more
specific information in Section 3.5 of the same Report.
In summary, the following
existing service/utility networks and associated infrastructure were identified
within the Study Area:
·
Water
supply and sewer drainage servicing the towns of Macroom, Ballyvourney and Killnamartery.
·
Eircom
fibre optic network between most major centres within the Study Area, running
mainly along national and regional roads (including N22, R584, R585, R590 and
R618).
·
Eircom
overhead network along approximately 80 to 90% of the local road network
·
ESB
Major power supply crossing west to east across the Study Area with connection
to the north and south as well
·
5
ESB substations
Potential impact on these
services due to each of the proposed routes has been examined and allowance
made within the current cost estimate for the works.
All impacts on
services/utilities by the chosen route would be considered in greater detail
during the design stages of the scheme.
Adjustments to the alignment of the chosen route, would be made during
the design stages where necessary to avoid or minimise impact on these
services/utilities.
Where necessary,
relocation and/or adjustments to existing services/utilities would be designed
and constructed as part of the overall scheme in accordance with relevant
legislative and authority requirements in order to avoid or minimise disruption
of these services to the community.
Severe Adverse Impact.
Construction of structures to cross the River Laney near Laney and the
Sullane River near the intersection of the existing N22 and R584 could result
in potential pollution of these watercourses and impact on the amenity.
Disruption to traffic
would be expected, caused by the crossing of, tying into and closure of a
number of existing roads along this section of the route, including the major
roads N22, R618 and R582.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Severe Adverse Impact. Construction
of a structure to cross the Lee Valley Reservoir near Coolcour and the
proximity of the earthworks operation to the shore of the Reservoir create
significant potential for pollution of the Reservoir waters and an impact on
their amenity.
Disruption to traffic
would be expected at several locations along the existing N22 as well as on
other existing side roads due to the alignment of this route.
Very few dwellings would
be located with 100m of this section of the route.
Moderate Adverse
Impact. Deep cutting(s) at western end of this section of the route. New road does not intersect existing N22
alignment except at the very western end, therefore only a moderate disruption
to traffic would be expected at side roads to the existing N22.
There are very few
dwellings located with 100m of this section of the route and no major river
crossings to be constructed.
Major Adverse Impact. Close
proximity to the River Bride and associated floodplain present the risk of
pollution and impact on amenity during construction.
Significant disruption to
traffic would be expected during construction due to the very close alignment
of the new route to the existing N22.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of the new roadway.
Major Adverse Impact. Close
proximity to the River Bride and a river crossing (near Ovens) as well as
construction on the associated floodplain present the risk of pollution and
impact on amenity.
The route crosses a few
minor side roads to the N22, which would be expected to cause moderate
disruption to traffic.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of the new roadway.
Major Adverse Impact. This
short section of road joins the existing N22 alignment near Ovens. Construction of this interchange, as well as
the proximity to the town of Ovens, would cause major disruption to traffic
using the existing N22.
Major Adverse Impact. During the
construction of the structure to cross the River Laney near Shanakill there
would be a risk of pollution of the water course and an impact on the amenity
of the surrounding area.
There are several
crossings of existing minor roads which would cause moderate disruption to
traffic using these roads.
Very few dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Severe Adverse Impact. During the
construction of the major (400m long) Reservoir crossing near Fergus as well as
a minor crossing of the Glashagarriff River near Shanavagha there is a
significant risk of pollution to these water courses and an impact on the
amenity of the surrounding area.
Crossings of two major
roads (R618 and R619, east and north of Coachford respectively) as well as a
number of other minor roads would result in a significant degree of disruption
to traffic.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located with 100m of this section of the route.
Major Adverse Impact. During the
construction of the structure to cross the River Bride near Ovens there is a
risk of pollution to the water course and impact on amenity in the surrounding
area.
Connection to the exiting
N22 at Ovens as well as a few minor road crossings would cause major disruption
to traffic using these roads.
There are less than 50
dwellings located within 100m of the new section of the route.
Major Adverse Impact.
Construction of a crossing of the River Laney near Macroom would present
a significant risk of pollution to the River.
In addition, proximity to
the town of Macroom and the crossing of a few existing roads leading into the
town would create major disruption to traffic.
Severe Adverse Impact. During the
construction of the major (150m long) structure to cross the Lee Valley
Reservoir near Carrigadrohid there is a significant risk of pollution to the
Reservoir and an impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.
A crossing of the R618
east of Macroom as well as a nearby cutting would result in moderate to major
disruption of traffic using this road.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Major Adverse Impact. While
there are no crossings of major rivers/water courses along this section of the
route, the new road traverses countryside directly adjacent to the Reservoir
and does cross a few smaller streams that discharge into the Reservoir. Therefore, the risk of pollution and impact
on the amenity of the area is significant.
A crossing of the R619
near Rooves Beg would create a moderate to major disruption of the traffic
using this route. A number of other
minor roads would also be affected along this section of the route with
disruption to traffic expected.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Severe Adverse Impact. During the
construction of the major (200m long) structure to cross the Lee Valley
Reservoir near Ballytrasna as well as a crossing of the River Laney near
Macroom (same as route section R/01) there is a significant risk of pollution
of these waters and an impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.
A crossing of the R618
east of Macroom would result in moderate disruption to traffic using this road.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Moderate Adverse
Impact. Disruption to traffic expected during construction of interchange
with N22.
Very few dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Major Adverse Impact.
Construction of a major crossing of the River Bride near Garryhesty as
well as being located on the associated floodplain present a significant risk
of pollution and impact on amenity during the construction.
Moderate to major
disruption to traffic would be expected due to crossing of the R585 and a
number of other minor roads.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Major Adverse Impact. Close
proximity to the River Bride and a River crossing (near Ovens) as well as
construction on the associated floodplain present the risk of pollution and
impact on amenity during the construction.
The new section of road
does not intersect the existing N22 alignment except at the very western end
near Ovens, therefore only a moderate disruption to traffic would be expected
at side roads to the existing N22.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of the new roadway.
Severe Adverse Impact. During
construction of the major crossing of the Lee Valley Reservoir and this route’s
proximity to the shore of the Reservoir there would be a significant risk of
pollution and an impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.
The route also crosses two
existing major roads (R618 and R619) as well as a few minor roads, which would
create major disruption to the traffic on these roads.
Major Adverse Impact.
Construction of an interchange with the existing N22 west of Crossmahon
would create significant traffic disruption.
This route also crosses a few other minor roads.
There are no major river
crossings, however the route does cross the Buingea River, which discharges
into the Reservoir. There is therefore,
a risk of pollution during the construction.
Minor Adverse Impact. There are
no major river or existing road crossings on this short link road (between Y/09
and B/04). However, the route is
located on the floodplain for the River Bride, which therefore presents the
risk of pollution to the water course.
Major Adverse Impact. Construction
of the connection and improvement to the existing N22 between this junction and
the existing wide single carriageway west of Ballyvourney would create major
disruption to the traffic using the N22.
The route also crosses a few other minor roads.
There are very few
dwellings located within 100m of this section of the route.
Minor Adverse Impact. There are
no major river crossings or disruptions to existing major roads along this
short length of the route.
Some disruption to traffic
would likely occur at the few minor roads crossed by this section of the route.
There are very few
dwellings located within 100m of this section of the route.
Minor Adverse Impact. There are no
major river crossings or disruptions to existing major roads. However, construction of a crossing of the
main road between Ballyvourney and Clondrohid would create some disruption to
the normal traffic using this road.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Severe Adverse Impact.
Construction of two major river crossings (River Sullane near
Inchinahoury and River Foherish near Carrigaphooca) as well as the route’s
location on the associated floodplains present a significant risk of pollution
and impact on the amenity of these water courses.
The route runs close to
the alignment of the existing N22 for much of this particular length, crossing
the N22 at two locations. There would
therefore, be significant impact on the traffic using this route. Several minor roads are also affected along
the alignment of this section of the route.
Less than 50 dwellings are
located within 100m of this section of the route.
Moderate Adverse
Impact. Construction of the connection to the existing N22
west of Ballyvourney would create some disruption to the traffic using this
road. The route also crosses a few
other minor roads.
There are very few
dwellings located within 100m of this section of the route.
Minor Adverse Impact. There are
no major river crossings or disruptions to existing major roads along this
short length of the route.
Some disruption to traffic
would likely occur at the few minor roads crossed by this section of the route.
There are only a few
dwellings located within 100m of this section of the route.
Minor Adverse Impact. There are
no major river crossings or disruptions to existing major roads. However,
construction of a crossing of the main road between Ballyvourney and Clondrohid
would create some disruption to the normal traffic using this road.
There are only a few
dwellings located within 100m of this section of the route.
Major Adverse Impact. Construction
of a major crossing of the River Foherish near Clondrohid present significant
risk of pollution and loss of amenity.
A major crossing of the
R582 as well as crossing of other minor roads into Macroom and Clondrohid would
create moderate to major disruption to traffic during construction.
There are less than 50
dwellings located within 100m of this section of the route.
Major Adverse Impact.
Construction of a major crossing of the River Foherish near Clondrohid
and the location of the route within the near catchment of this river present
significant risk of pollution and loss of amenity.
Moderate disruption to
traffic on several minor roads crossing this section of the route would be
expected during construction.
Detailed mitigation
proposals for the preferred route would be developed during the detailed
assessment and design stage. In general, proposals for the mitigation of
negative construction impacts would be similar for all the route options.
Mitigation would include
working in accordance with relevant legislation and adopting good working
practices. Appropriate specific working
methods would be developed to protect areas of environmental importance. Site supervision, involvement of regulatory
bodies, local community/stakeholder liaison, traffic management and signing
would also be key to minimising construction impacts.
Mitigation measures would
include programming to minimise environmental disturbance (e.g. working hours,
avoiding ecologically sensitive periods such as fish spawning and bird
nesting), protection of sensitive sites, pollution control measures, management
of site drainage and run-off, supervision and control of deliveries and
storage, waste storage, waste disposal management and traffic management.
The recommended preferred
route, chosen to minimize the potential for negative impact caused by
construction activities, is as follows:
·
Nodes
1 to 3 – Green route
·
Nodes
3 to 6 – Green route
·
Nodes
6 to 16 – Blue route to Node 11 then Yellow route to Node 16
Further explanation
regarding this recommendation is contained in the Route Selection Matrix, which
has been provided in Appendix 21 of this
report.