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The southern approach viaduct to Kincardine Bridge has deteriorated, is propped temporarily and requires reconstruction in the medium term.
Existing traffic flows in Kincardine cause noise, pollution, visual intrusion, road safety dangers and severance for the local community.
Peak traffic flows far exceed the capacity of the roundabout in Kincardine resulting in delays to traffic and rat-runs through the local streets.
Two commissions have been let to complete the design of the new crossing at Kincardine.
Engineering, Ecology and Environment: This commission - being undertaken by the Babtie Group - will take forward the analysis and design of the new structure, the approach roads, the Eastern Link Road, the environmental assessment and any ecological mitigation. The initial stages of the study will be concentrated on surveys, inspection of the existing structure and producing a hydrographic model of the Estuary. The scope of the study will cover a wide study corridor upstream of the existing bridge to ensure alternative routes have been fully appraised.
Transport & Economic Analysis: This commission - being undertaken by the Oscar Faber Group - will analyse existing traffic flows, predict future flows, survey public transport options, analyse road safety changes and transport costs and consider tolling of the two bridges at Kincardine.
Options for a new crossing at Kincardine within the 3 main route corridors available (Map). These options were presented to the public by exhibitions. Following which they were reviewed in line with new transport policies ahead of the main Strategic Roads Review. Consultations then were held with local authorities, local community representatives and Members of Parliament.
Following the review of options, the emerging preferred route was for a single carriageway crossing along Corridor 'A'. In the Strategic Roads Review, Sarah Boyack the Minister for Transport and the Environment announced in November 1999 that the commissions to refine the route for an upstream crossing and complete the associated design elements had been let.
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ADDITIONAL BRIDGE UPSTREAM IN CORRIDOR 'A or B' 1 Build new single carriageway bridge for Alloa traffic. ADDITIONAL BRIDGE DOWNSTREAM IN CORRIDOR 'C' 1 Build new dual carriageway bridge to replace existing bridge. |
In order to try and tackle some of the traffic problems within Kincardine in the shorter term, there are a number of initiatives which are at various stages of development.
To prevent A977 traffic rat-running through residential streets, Fife Council are in the process of obtaining approval to promote the necessary traffic orders which will result in sections of Hawkhill Road and Kirk Brae becoming one way for a trial period of 18 months, and Manse Road at its junction with the A977 being permanently stopped up.
The possibility of relocating queuing traffic on the approaches to Kincardine by using traffic signals to control the flow is an option which will be investigated at an early stage in the commission.
The fast track construction of the Eastern Link Road in advance of the main works to give some traffic relief within Kincardine is another option which will be explored. However, this proposal has its own traffic management problems associated with the construction phase , the implications of which would need careful consideration.
The ecology of the Forth Estuary is very sensitive. The saltmarsh and mud flats on the opposite bank of the estuary from Kincardine, and the Kennet Pans Wildlife site on the Kincardine side of the estuary, provide bird feeding grounds of international ecological significance.
These sites are to become part of the Forth Estuary Special Protection Area in accordance with the European Directives on the Conservation of Wild Birds and Habitats. This restricts the options for a new crossing and is likely to require provision of ecological mitigation measures.
In order to develop the project to a construction stage a number of activities need to be carried out, the expected timetable of which are as detailed below.
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ACTIVITY |
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE |
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Various Surveys/Inspections |
Autumn 2000 |
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Development of Design Proposals |
Spring 2001 |
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Publication of Draft Road Orders: |
Spring 2001 |
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Public Exhibition |
Summer 2001 |
Further progress will depend on the public reaction to the published proposals.
Note: The Eastern Link Road will be progressed in advance of the above time scales and may possibly have a Draft Road Order publication , if the advance construction is feasible, of winter 2000.
This leaflet is the first in a series of leaflets to be produced and distributed in order to provide information on the progress of the project. If you have any specific queries about the leaflet contents or the project in general, please contact:
Mr Chris Rogers
The Scottish Executive
Development Department
Transport and Planning Group
Design and Construction Division
Victoria Quay
EDINBURGH, EH6 6QQ
Tel: 0131 244 7191, Fax: 0131 244 7228,
Email: chris.rogers@scotland.gov.uk
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