M1 Widening Junctions 10 to 13
Project Introduction
In September 2005 the Highways Agency
appointed Scott Wilson as the designer for the proposed widening of
the M1 Junctions 10 to 13 as part of an Early Contractor
Involvement contract. The contract value of the works was
£601M.
Project background
The Scheme involved a Highways Agency proposal
to widen 25km of the existing M1 between Junction 10 (south of
Luton) and Junction 13 (south of Milton Keynes) in Bedfordshire,
including improvements at Junctions 11 and 12. The Scheme
passes through the urban area of Luton and Dunstable and
agricultural land described as ‘best and most versatile
land’. Surrounding landscape designations include the
Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bedfordshire Area of
Great Landscape Value and Green Belt. There are some
designated County Wildlife Sites in the vicinity together with five
Grade II listed buildings and sites of high archaeological
potential. Noise, air quality and visual impacts are key
constraints within the urban area of Luton and Dunstable, and there
is an Air Quality Management Area close to the M1 around Junction
11. The Scheme crosses a number of footpaths and bridleways,
including several long distance/recreational routes.
Project Scope
The scope of environmental work undertaken by
Scott Wilson includes input to the optioneering process, full
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Statement,
preparation of Environmental Design and attendance at Public
Exhibitions. Anticipated future input includes providing Expert
Witness evidence at Public Inquiry, pre-construction surveys,
detailed mitigation design and monitoring during construction and
maintenance periods.
Value Adding Project
Achievements
Throughout Scheme development, emphasis has
been placed on impact avoidance rather than impact
mitigation. However, where impacts are unavoidable,
applicable methods of mitigation have been incorporated into the
Scheme design. The assessments as presented in the Environmental
Statement will define impacts and effects following the
implementation of defined mitigation features/methods. Early
consultation with Statutory Consultees and local interest groups is
to be undertaken to promote awareness of the Scheme, assist
environmental input into the design and aid development of the
mitigation strategy.
