We expect you have a lot of questions about the NEV. If you submit them via the link below, we will answer three in the next issue.
These were the questions people put to us following last month's newsletter:
Q: You're cutting down trees. Are you going to be planting more?
A: The highways upgrades require some trees to be removed. This work is being done well in advance to ensure that nesting birds don't delay the project once it gets underway - it's important to make sure that wildlife isn't unintentionally harmed while the roadworks are taking place.
At White Hart, we have had to remove some trees and undergrowth to construct a new northbound entry slip road onto the A419. Once the construction is complete, there will be landscaping and tree planting in other areas around White Hart to replace the trees we have removed.
We are also working to ensure that, within the wider NEV development, planning proposals include new community woodlands that will result in a net increase in tree cover.
Q: As part of the White Hart proposals, why are you closing the existing entry onto Ermin Street?
A: Due to the requirement for the new northbound slip road onto the A419, it will no longer be possible to maintain access to Ermin Street directly from the White Hart roundabout. However, new access to Ermin Street will be provided from Oxford Road.
Q: Are the roads around the east of Swindon going to be completely gridlocked while this work is being done?
A: Where possible, we will be doing works at quieter times and will therefore do our best to ensure that congestion is not above that which would normally be expected on a major highways improvement. We hope residents will observe the diversions and appreciate the massive improvements at the end.
Our contractors will be doing this work on a schedule and will appreciate the support of residents.
|