8.3 Core Path Management Plan

Consideration will be given to pedestrians and cyclists alike due to potential interactions between construction traffic and users of the core path.  These measures will be formulated into a Core Path Management Plan.

The principal contractor will ensure that speed limits are always adhered to by their drivers and associated subcontractors.  This is particularly important within close proximity to the core path and at crossing points. Advisory speed limit signage will also be installed on approaches to areas where core path users may interact with construction traffic.

Signage will be installed on the site exit that makes drivers aware of local speed limits and reminding drivers of the potential presence of pedestrians and cyclists in the area. This will also be emphasised in weekly toolbox talks.

The British Horse Society has made recommendations on the interactions between HGV traffic and horses.  Horses are normally nervous of large vehicles, particularly when they do not often meet them. Horses are flighty animals and will run away in panic if really frightened. Riders will do all they can to prevent this but, should it happen, it could cause a serious accident for other road users, as well as for the horse and rider.

The main factors causing fear in horses in this situation are:

  • Something approaching them, which is unfamiliar and intimidating;
  • A large moving object, especially if it is noisy;
  • Lack of space between the horse and the vehicle;
  • The sound of air brakes; and
  • Anxiety on the part of the rider.

The British Horse Society recommends the following actions that will be included in the site training for all HGV staff:

  • On seeing riders approaching, drivers must slow down and stop, minimising the sound of air brakes, if possible;
  • If the horse still shows signs of nervousness while approaching the vehicle, the engine should be shut down (if it is safe to do so);
  • The vehicle should not move off until the riders are well clear of the back of the HGV;
  • If drivers are wishing to overtake riders, please approach slowly or even stop in order to give riders time to find a gateway or lay by where they can take refuge and create sufficient space between the horse and the vehicle. Because of the position of their eyes, horses are very aware of things coming up behind them; and
  • All drivers delivering to the site must be patient. Riders will be doing their best to reassure their horses while often feeling a high degree of anxiety themselves.

8.4 Public Information

Information on abnormal load deliveries would be provided to local media outlets such as local papers and local radio to help assist the public.

Information would relate to expected vehicle movements from the port of entry through to the site access junction. This will assist residents becoming aware of the movements and may help reduce any potential conflicts.

The Applicant would also ensure information was distributed through its communication team via the Project website, local newsletters and social media.

8.5 Operational Phase Mitigation

Site entrance roads will be well maintained and monitored during the operational life of the development. Regular maintenance will be undertaken to keep the site access track drainage systems fully operation and to ensure there are no run-off issues onto the public road network.

9 Summary & Conclusions

Pell Frischmann has been commissioned by ITPEnergised (on behalf of SSE Renewables) to undertake a Transport Assessment for the OnTW associated with the proposed Berwick Bank Wind Farm which is to be located 33.5km offshore off the East Lothian and the Scottish Borders coastline.

The construction traffic would result in a temporary increase in traffic flows on the road network surrounding the Proposed Development. The maximum traffic effect associated with construction of the Proposed Development is predicted to occur in Month 14 of the programme. During this month, an average of 147 HGV movements is predicted per day and it is estimated that there would be a further 522 car and light van movements per day to transport construction workers to and from the Site.

A series of mitigation measures and management plans have been proposed to help mitigate and offset the impacts of both the construction and operational phase traffic flows.

No link capacity issues are expected on any of the roads assessed due to the additional movements associated with the Proposed Development. The effects of construction traffic are temporary in nature and are transitory.

Appendix A     Access Junctions Indicative Layouts

 

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Appendix B     Trip Generation

 

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Appendix C     Construction Programme

 

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Appendix D     Construction Traffic Management and Routeing Plan

 

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[1] The Abnormal Route Load Assessment Report details the various options associated with the Proposed Development. Please note that the option being taken forward is Substation 8. Please note that the swept path analysis results for this option are presented in the sections referring to Substation Location 8 within The Abnormal Route Load Assessment Report.

[2] Map K Innerwick and Surrounding Area https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210569/countryside_and_wildlife/12044/core_paths/2

[3] Please note construction activities were ongoing at the Neart na Gaoithe, and were recorded at this location. Construction activities have therefore been included in the baseline flows.