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Traffic analysis raises ‘serious concerns’ over Sizewell C

Traffic analysis raises ‘serious concerns’ over Sizewell C

17 July 2016, by Richard Cornwell

Read online at http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/traffic_analysis_raises_serious_concerns_over_sizewell_c_1_4618024

Sizewell C

A new report has raised “serious concerns” about the impact of construction traffic for Sizewell C on rural ares of east Suffolk

The report, commissioned by Suffolk County Council and produced by research agency Accent, shows traffic is the number one concern for the community, with residents requesting EDF Energy find a way of delivering its materials to the site in a way that minimises the amount of vehicles on the surrounding road network, in particular the B1122.

Both the county council and Suffolk Coastal District Council support the Sizewell C development in principle, but say to make it a success it is essential the impacts are mitigated.

The report, which investigated the extent, scale and type of traffic concerns residents have about current proposals for Sizewell C, was presented to the community at a meeting in Theberton..

County councillor with special responsibility for working with outside bodies, Guy McGregor, said: “I do continue to support the Sizewell C proposal on the basis that this is a much needed facility for the UK as a whole and that EDF Energy can provide a lasting legacy for the economy and the local communities.

“There are, however, significant obstacles that need to be overcome, none more challenging than the management of traffic.

“We needed to hear what concerns local people have about the development. This report has given voice to such concerns and EDF need to listen and act upon this.

“We will use this information to ask EDF Energy to take direct measures to address the widespread worries of the local community.”

The report said residents, who were interviewed during its preparation to gain a full and clear picture of the perceived traffic issues surrounding the construction, felt EDF had not yet provided any satisfactory mitigation proposals to counter the traffic problem.

Additional concerns raised included the belief that volumes of traffic associated with the construction of Sizewell B were significantly underestimated by EDF – and transport projections for Sizewell C must be more realistic and the effects of such increases properly assessed.

EDF Energy has been carrying out extensive traffic survey work in preparation for releasing more details of its mitigation plans at the stage two consultation expected later this year.

Ipswich Star, 25 January 2016

http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/enormous_power_station_loads_highlight_need_for_sizewell_c_relief_road_1_4391511

Enormous power station loads highlight need for Sizewell C relief road

Ipswich Star, 25 January 2016 by Richard Cornwell

Campaigners say traffic chaos caused by the movement of heavy loads to Sizewell B is a “terrifying indication” of what life will be like if another nuclear power station is built.

An electrical transformer being moved along the B1122 through villages to Sizewell B next to a TEAGS poster campaigning for a relief road – residents said the traffic chaos caused is a “terrifying indication” of what the road will be like if Sizewell C is ever built.

Last week three enormous pieces of electrical equipment were transported by road from Lowestoft docks to Sizewell – the slow-moving convoys caused disruption over three days on the B1122 as it made its way through small villages.

The three electrical transformers will replace existing equipment at the power station during refuelling and maintenance work taking place in April.

Residents who have been campaigning vigorously to prevent the B1122 – which runs from the A12 to Leiston – being used as route for Sizewell C construction traffic were horrified at the disruption caused.

Jon Swallow, chairman of TEAGS (Theberton and Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell), said: “The movements of heavy electrical equipment for Sizewell B on the B1122 last week gave this rural community a terrifying indication of what is in store when Sizewell C is given the go-ahead.

“We face up to 600 lorries a day for perhaps a decade, unbelievably on a winding country B road.

“TEAGS, which is neither for nor against nuclear power, seeks to protect our communities from the impact of some of EDF’s construction proposals as they stand at the moment.

“Without a Sizewell relief road, the noise, air pollution, vibration and traffic chaos would be intolerable for all living along or close to the B1122, and threaten many listed buildings. The impact will also be felt by those in Middleton, Yoxford and Saxmundham.

“Let’s not forget that the B1122 is currently the only means of access for emergency vehicles, and evacuation of people.

“EDF and Suffolk County Council must pursue the case for a Sizewell relief road direct from the A12 to the Sizewell site to alleviate all these problems.

“A better solution must be found for this massive construction, which would be one of the biggest building projects in Europe.”

An EDF spokeswoman said the three separate trips and slowness of the vehicles was for safety reasons.

She said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Sizewell B wrote to the parish councils along the route in advance of the deliveries and worked with the police to minimise the disruption as much as possible.”

EDF Energy is continuing to develop its proposals for Sizewell C which will be subject to further public consultation. The company said it has carefully analysed responses to previous consultation, engaged with parishes and community groups, held regular discussions and workshops with councils, and carried out technical studies into the environment, engineering and construction, as well as transport assessments.