Two clean energy projects in East Suffolk have joined forces to coordinate their planned roadworks – a move that will reduce the impacts of construction in the local area.
Sizewell C and ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) are taking a coordinated approach to necessary local highway works in key areas of East Suffolk as part of the construction programmes for Sizewell C and the East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm.
The joined-up approach will help minimise disruption in areas where both companies need to undertake works, while mitigating the environmental impact of development.
For example, Sizewell C will deliver hundreds of metres of new kerbing and footways on behalf of both companies, ensuring the work is carried out at the same time.
The coordinated works include four key upgrade schemes:
- Theberton B1122 – ScottishPower Renewables has improved the Church Road junction and provided a new crossing
- Yoxford A12, A1120 – Sizewell C has improved footways and provided a new signal crossing of the A12
- Marlesford A12 –Sizewell C will provide new footways, around 1km of road resurfacing, a reduced speed limit and a new signal crossing
- Knodishall A1094/B1069 Junction – ScottishPower Renewables will provide junction improvements, a reduced speed limit and resurfacing
The collaborative approach has been agreed in conjunction with Suffolk County Council and East Suffolk Council.
Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C, said:
“We all know the frustration of being held up by roadworks, only to see the road dug up again a few weeks later. This agreement seeks to avoid that scenario and demonstrates how major infrastructure projects can work together to deliver smarter, more efficient outcomes for the public and the environment.
“That’s especially important now as we increase our off-site activity. The work we’re doing, to improve existing roads and build new roads and rail infrastructure, as well as new park and rides for our team, will ultimately reduce the impacts on local roads and communities as we build this project. We recognise the level of roadworks taking place in East Suffolk – which is why collaborating with SPR, as well as other projects in the area, with the support of OFGEM and local councils, is vital to minimising that disruption.”
Michael Hotze, East Anglia TWO Execution Director for ScottishPower Renewables added:
While we always do everything we can to minimise any potential disruption on our local communities when carrying out onshore works, our collaboration with Sizewell C takes that one step further and shows how developers can work together for the benefit of local people. This common-sense approach will help reduce the need for multiple roadworks and ease traffic congestion through local villages while delivering long-lasting enhancements to the roads network.”
(Picture: Sizewell C)
