Description of main environmental impacts and proposed mitigation

Air quality

Impacts

On site construction activities carry a potential to produce airborne particulate matter, dust and generate emissions that may have a temporary impact on local air quality levels and act as a nuisance to nearby residents.
TM implemented during the scheme may result in an increase in associated vehicle emissions through idling vehicles and increased congestion, particularly in communities surrounding the proposed diversion routes. However, these effects are expected to be reduced where works are undertaken during night-time working when baseline traffic is typically lower.
All identified impacts are expected to be temporary, intermittent, and limited to the duration of the construction works. As such, no long-term changes in air quality are predicted.

Mitigation

Best practice and measures as outlined in the ‘Guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction (January 2024)’ published by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) will include the following mitigation relevant to this scheme:
All site layout will be planned (including plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)) so that machinery and dust causing activities are located away from receptors, as far as reasonably practicable;
Materials will be removed that have a potential to produce dust from site as soon as possible, unless being re-used on site;
Cutting, grinding or sawing equipment will be fitted with, or used in conjunction with, appropriate dust suppression measures, such as water sprays or local extraction systems (e.g. suitable local exhaust ventilation) to minimise the generation and dispersion of dust;
Drop heights from conveyors and other loading or handling equipment will be minimised;
Vehicles entering and leaving the work area will be covered to prevent escape of materials during transport;
Equipment will be readily available on site to clean any dry spillages, and clean up spillages as soon as reasonably practicable after the event using wet cleaning methods; and
When not in use, plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) will be switched off and there will be no idling vehicles.
Plant, vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) will be regularly maintained, paying attention to the integrity of exhaust systems to ensure such fuel operated equipment is not generating excessive fumes.
Green driving techniques will be adopted, and effective route preparation and planning will be undertaken prior to works.
Where possible, materials will be sourced locally.
Surfaces will be swept where loose material remains following planing.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on air quality. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 105: Air Quality no further assessment is required.

Cultural heritage

Impacts

Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument is located adjacent to the scheme extents along the A77 carriageway. While works will be contained within the carriageway boundary with no land acquisition, temporary, minor visual impacts may occur during construction as a result of the presence of operative, plant, and vehicles and TM. However, these effects are short-term and localised to the scheme extents.
The resurfacing and minor verge works along a section of the A77 carriageway would require a paver planer and roller wagon, which may generate vibration during the works. There is potential for temporary physical/vibration impacts on Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument; however, given the nature and limited extent of the works, any effects are anticipated to be minor, localised and temporary.
TM for the works will likely involve six or seven days along the A77 carriageway and involves a total road closure. Access to Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument may be temporarily affected during the works due to TM arrangements, however, access will be maintained throughout construction as far as reasonably practicable.
The works may result in very minor visual changes within the setting of the affected assets due to the verge side works and resurfacing, however, given the limited scope and minor nature of the works, any changes would be temporary, localised and contained within the existing carriageway boundary.
The original construction of the A77 carriageway is likely to have removed any archaeological remains that may have been present. Therefore, the likelihood of unknown archaeological remains within the works area, confined to the carriageway boundary has been assessed to be low.

Mitigation

Site operatives will take photographs before and after of listed buildings to evidence no damage.
All storage of plant, vehicles and machinery will be at least 50m from designated assets.
Should excavations uncover discoloured soils, or pieces of ceramic, bone or other materials of note, works will cease and the Amey Environment team and the Historic Environment Scotland team will be contacted.
During construction, plant, vehicles, personnel, materials etc. will be contained to hard standing areas within the carriageway boundary at all times.
Site operatives will be made aware of the cultural assets located in proximity to the works area and the Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument. Where possible, storage of plant, vehicles and machinery will be stored outwith the close proximity to the of the identified cultural heritage features.
Should the nature of the works change, the Amey Environment team will be contacted prior to works commencing.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) was notified of the works on 8^th September 2026. HES confirmed that the proposed works are outwith the scheduled monument and can proceed with the works without needing consent. HES recommend that contractors on site are briefed on the location of the scheduled monument and the need to avoid any accidental damage to it. Should any damage to the scheduled monument occur, works will cease and HES will be contacted for further advice.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on cultural heritage. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 106: Cultural Heritage Assessment no further assessment is required.

Landscape and visual effects

Impacts

Visual receptors identified have the potential to be visually impacted by the scheme during construction due to the presence of TM, plant, vehicles, machinery and operatives. There will be no operational impacts on visual receptors as works entail the like-for-like resurfacing works and minor verge works along the A77 carriageway within the scheme extents
Misdirected site lighting could cause temporary disturbance to visual receptors including road users, receptors (particularly Crossraguel Cottage), and pedestrians using the footpath and core paths identified near the scheme.
The general setting of the area may be impacted during construction due to the presence of TM, plant, vehicles, machinery and operatives’ construction. No operational visual impacts are anticipated.
The scheme entails like-for-like resurfacing and minor verge works (including replacement of bollards, resetting of existing gullies, clearing of a catchpit and ditch, replacement of filter drain, and siding out of footway) and will not extend beyond the current carriageway boundary. As such, no impacts to Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument are anticipated. Temporary visual impacts on views of the Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument are anticipated during the construction phase as a result of the TM and construction activities.
The movement and operation of plant, vehicles, and machinery during construction has the potential to cause temporary damage to grass verges within the scheme extents, resulting in minor localised changes to the surrounding landscape during the works.
No operational impacts are predicted for visual receptors and landscape character as works entails like-for-like resurfacing of the A77 carriageway and minor verge works (including replacement of bollards, resetting of existing gullies, clearing of a catchpit and ditch, replacement of filter drain, and siding out of footway) within the carriageway boundary.

Mitigation

Site lighting will be directional and will be pointed away from nearby visual receptors, including Crossraguel Abbey Scheduled Monument, residential receptors, road users and users of nearby footpaths/core paths, to minimise temporary visual disturbance during construction.
Carriageway resurfacing and verge works will be of a minimal visual impact and will be in keeping with the current setting of the A77 carriageway within the scheme extents.
Plant, vehicles, and materials will be contained to hardstanding areas within the carriageway boundary (as far as reasonably practicable). Should damage to the landscape occur, reinstatement of soil, grass or grass seed will be carried out.
Throughout all stages of the works, the site will be kept clean and tidy, with materials, equipment, plant and wastes appropriately stored.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are anticipated on landscape and visual effects as a result of the scheme. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 107: Landscape and Visual Effects no further assessment is required.

Biodiversity

Impacts

Construction activities may have the potential to have a temporary adverse impact on biodiversity in the area as a result of the presence vehicle and personnel, and potential disturbance from noise and artificial site lighting.
INNS have been recorded within the wider area; however, works are restricted to the existing carriageway and verge boundary, reducing the risk of disturbance or spread.
Modified grassland is present throughout the proposed works area, within the verges and grazed fields in the wider environment. The proposed works will disturb this habitat during the verge works.
Broadleaved woodland and hawthorn hedgerow are present throughout the proposed works area. The proposed works will involve verge works within these habitats and, as such, may result in negative impacts through the loss or disturbance of woodland edge and hedgerow vegetation.
Within the scheme extents a residential property with the invasive non-native species (INNS) rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) exists. This area is within a residential property so it is unlikely that this species will be disturbed during the proposed works.
The proposed works may have a negative impact on birds that are nesting if vegetation clearance or tree cutback is required during the nesting bird season (March to August inclusive). There is potential for nesting birds to be disturbed by an increase in noise pollution.
The proposed works will require vegetation clearance within the woodland habitat and in the absence of mitigation may disturb foraging and/or commuting protected species within the area.
Verge works may negatively impact small mammal species.

Mitigation

Loss or damage to the grassland verges will be minimised where possible. The grassland habitat will be reinstated where possible following completion of the works.
Works will avoid the woodlands. Any damage to the woodlands will be avoided.
No works will be within the residential garden containing the invasive species rhododendron, preventing disturbance and potential spread.
Amey’s Environmental Briefing on protected species will be given to onsite operatives, due to the works taking place at night. Any use of artificial lighting will be directional and will avoid light spillover into sensitive habitats.
Any vegetation clearance will be undertaken outwith the core bird nesting season (March to August inclusive) where practicable. If this is not possible, nesting bird checks will be carried out prior to works.
General construction safeguards will also be followed and will include as a minimum:
There will be a slow start up of equipment if required to gradually increase levels of noise and vibrations onsite, as sudden noises can be more disturbing.
Where equipment can be used with hoods, doors or sleeves to reduce noise levels, these will be used wherever possible.
Open excavations will be fenced off and/or covered to avoid animals becoming trapped or injured. A mammal ladder (e.g. wooden plank) will be erected to allow any animals that may become trapped to escape. All excavations will be checked each morning to ensure no animals have become trapped overnight and an ecologist contacted for advice will any animals be encountered.
Consideration will be given to where spoil is stored, mammal proof fencing will be considered if spoil is to be stored on site for long periods of time
Attempts will be made to avoid working in the vicinity of habitats during the hours of darkness and within two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset (1st March to 31st October), and between one hour after sunrise and within one hour before sunset (1st November to 28th February). If night work is essential, this will avoid unnecessary disturbance by ensuring that the height of lighting columns are as low as possible. Lighting hoods, cowls and shields will be utilised to focus light into the working areas and away from the surrounding environment and particularly away from watercourses.
No equipment will be stored within suitable habitat.
Operatives will remain vigilant for the presence of protected species within or near the works. If a protected species is seen in or near the scheme, all works will be stopped until the animal passes by. The protected species will not be approached, and the area will be temporarily isolated until the animal has moved on. Any sightings will be reported to the Amey Environment Team.
‘Soft start’ techniques will be utilised with noise heavy equipment/plant/machinery in order to avoid disturbance to any potential noise sensitive species present in the area.
Due to night-time programming, where lighting is required, hoods will be used and lights directed at works and away from ecological receptors such as trees, to minimise disturbance to nocturnal species.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on biodiversity. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 108: Biodiversity, no further assessment is required.

Geology and soils

Impacts

There is potential for spills, leaks or seepage of fuels and oils associated with machinery to escape if not controlled which may negatively affect the soil environment.
There is potential for impacts to soil quality as works require verge works (including resetting of existing gullies, clearing of a catchpit, clearing of a ditch, replacement of filter drain and footway siding out) within the scheme extents along the A77 carriageway. This can create adverse conditions, including erosion and polluted soils.

Mitigation

All works and plant, machinery and vehicles will be contained within the carriageway boundary at all times to prevent damage to soils present on the verge areas.
After the works have been completed, excavation will be backfilled with soils/materials and reinstated to the original ground level. The area will be left level and free from debris.
Excavated soils will not be stored on site, and will be appropriately contained/covered, and protected from the elements.
Excavation of soils will be kept to a minimum and only where necessary, with any excavated soils being re-used on site as far as reasonably practicable.
Spill kits will be present onsite and all operatives will be fully trained in their use. Any fuels or chemicals required for use will be stored securely with drip trays used appropriately and stored under any chemical or fuel containers.
Weather reports will be monitored prior to the works, with all construction activities temporarily halting in the event of predicted high rainfall or wind.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted on geology and soils. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 109: Geology and Soils, no further assessment is required.

Material assets and waste

Impacts

Virgin aggregates used in the scheme will result in loss of natural resources, reduction of finite resources and loss of biodiversity.
The nature of the scheme requires large HGVs resulting in local air quality degradation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, combined with combustion fuel usage.
Energy will be required for the scheme in the form of non-renewable fossil fuels for transport of materials and personnel, and for plant operation. The use of non-renewable fuels to power plant and machinery will be a contributing factor to GHG emissions.
Use of TS2010 will reduce the usage of imported aggregates as it will prolong the period before future resurfacing is required and increase the use of a wider range of sustainable aggregate sources thus reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Mitigation

Material arising from siding-out and verge works will be screened to remove vegetation and other non-soil material prior to reuse on site or transfer off site for recovery or disposal, in accordance with SEPA guidance.
A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will not be required for these works.
The Contractor will comply with all ‘Duty of Care’ requirements, ensuring that any surplus materials or wastes are stored, transported, treated, used, and disposed of safely without endangering human health or harming the environment. All waste transfer notes and/or waste exemption certificates will also be completed and retained.
All waste will be transported by a suitable licenced contractor and will be accompanied by correctly completed waste transfer note. All special waste will be transport by suitable licenced contractor and will be accompanied by correctly completed special waste consignment note (SWCN) providing information about the waste, the producer and the person the waste is being handed to; the SWCN will be kept for three years, the Site Responsible Manager is responsible for ensuring these are retained onsite.
Materials will be sourced from recycled origins as far as reasonably practicable within design specifications.
Where possible all materials will be reused throughout the network, if not possible they will be recycled locally.
Where possible, materials will be obtained locally and operatives deployed from the local depot where possible to reduce haulage and scheme associated journeys, reducing impact of associated GHG emissions on climate change.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted as a result of the material assets required and the wastes being produced. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 110: Material Assets and Waste, no further assessment is required.

Noise and vibration

Impacts

Construction activities associated with the works have the potential to cause noise and vibration impacts through the use of machinery and construction vehicles.
Noise sensitive receptors along the A77 near the scheme extents and along the A719 diversion route may temporarily experience higher volumes of local traffic and therefore, higher noise levels.
Noisy works will likely be required during night-time hours, which could cause disturbance for residential properties within 300m of the scheme extents.
TS2010 road surfacing is shown to have superior durability and noise reducing features compared to standard road surfacing mixes. Vehicle travellers and nearby residential properties will benefit from improved road surfacing as a result of the scheme.

Mitigation

Properties identified within 300m of the scheme extents will be notified in advance of the works. Pre-notification will include details of proposed timings, duration of the works and any other relevant information.
On-site construction tasks will be programmed to be as efficient as possible, with a view to limiting noise disruption to local sensitive receptors.
The use of ‘soft start’ methods and the use of electric plant/vehicles/machinery will be undertaken to minimise noise disturbance.
Vehicles and machinery will be started sequentially rather than simultaneously.
There will be no idling of vehicles or machinery.
Plant/machinery will be fitted with silencers/mufflers.
Amey’s ‘Noise and Vibration’ Environmental Briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.
The Amey Environment team has contacted South Ayrshire Council’s Environmental Health Team to notify of the works due to night-time programming. South Ayrshire Council has responded back and has no further comments.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects are predicted for Noise and Vibration. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 111: Noise and Vibration and no further assessment is required.

Population and human health

Impacts

TM for the works will likely involve a total road closure. The designated diversion route will re-route vehicles from Turnberry onto Maiden Road (A719), continuing along the B7023, before rejoining the A77 at the roundabout. Nearby residents may experience travel disruption due to presence of TM, which may lead to increased journey times and distances if alternative routes are utilised to avoid TM. Those living by, and utilising diversion route roads may also experience travel disruption and disturbance as a result of the scheme.
Land take is not required for this scheme therefore there will be no impact as a result of permanent or temporary land acquisition from private land, businesses, agriculture, and/or community facilities as a result of the scheme.
Access to the residential properties and farms identified have the potential to be impacted by the works.
The layby within the scheme extents may be partially and temporarily closed or access prohibited during works.
Temporary closure of the footpath, core path, and access to the scheduled monument may be required during construction activities, which could temporarily affect its availability to pedestrians.
Site lighting may impact nearby visual receptors along the carriageway during construction.

Mitigation

Local residents within 300m of the scheme extents and road users will be notified in advance of the works and all associated TM arrangements.
Where temporary footpath or core path closures are required, appropriate advance warning signage will be provided, and clearly signed pedestrian diversions will be implemented. The footway and core paths within the scheme extents will be maintained, as far as reasonably practicable, throughout the works.
TM will be advertised upon approach and in advance of the scheme. When in place, TM will be monitored to ensure it is effectively managing traffic flow.
Single access to residential properties and farms within the scheme will remain accessible at all times.
Any temporary closure or restriction of the layby within the scheme extents will be clearly signed in advance of the works, with access reinstated as soon as practicable following completion of the works.
Temporary site lighting will used throughout the scheme will be directional and pointed only at the area of works.
Site specific control measures regarding noise and vibration, landscape and visual effects and air quality can be found in the relevant sections (above).

With best practice mitigation measures in place, no significant effects on population and human health are predicted. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 112: Population and Human Health, no further assessment is required.

Road drainage and the water environment

Impacts

If not adequately controlled, debris and runoff from the works could enter surrounding surface water environment. In the event of heavy rainfall or a flooding incident, this debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage system, thus having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment.
In the event of a flooding incident, debris may be mobilised and could enter the road drainage having a detrimental effect on the surrounding local water environment.
The Drinking Water Protected Area identified will not be impacted by the scheme due to the nature of the works (e.g. minor, transient etc.) combined with the relevant pollution control measures.

Mitigation

All debris which has the potential to be suspended in surface water and wash into the local water environment will be cleaned from the site both during and following the works.
Debris and dust generated as a result of the works will be prevented from entering the drainage system. This can be via the use of drain covers or similar.
The control room will be contacted if any pollution incidences occur (available 24 hours, 7 days a week).
Visual pollution inspections of the working area will be conducted frequently, especially during heavy rainfall and wind.
Weather reports will be monitored prior and during all construction activities. In the event of adverse weather/flooding events, all activities will temporarily stop, and only reconvene when deemed safe to do so, and runoff/drainage can be adequately controlled to prevent pollution.
All storage of materials/fuel and any refuelling activities (if required) will be undertaken more than 10m away from any watercourse at all times and placed on a hardstanding surface.
All oils and fuels will be returned to storage area after use.
All operatives will be briefed on SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPP) documents (namely, GPP 1, GPP 2, GPP 5, GPP 6, GPP 8, GPP 21 and GPP 22) (SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention).
Amey’s ‘Water Pollution Prevention’ Environmental Briefing will be delivered to all site operatives before works start.

Providing all works operate in accordance with current best practice, as demonstrated by SEPA’s Guidance for Pollution Prevention (GPPs), no significant effects are predicted on the water environment. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 113: Road Drainage and the Water Environment no further assessment is required.

Climate

Impacts

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions will be emitted through the use of machinery, vehicles and materials used (containing recycled and virgin materials) and transporting to and from site.

Mitigation

Local suppliers will be used as far as reasonably practicable to reduce travel time and GHG emitted as part of the works.
Vehicles/plant will not be left on when not in use to minimise and prevent unnecessary emissions.
Further actions and considerations for this scheme are detailed in the above Material assets and waste section.

With best practice mitigation measures in place, the residual significance of effect on climate is considered to be not significant. Therefore, in accordance with DMRB Guidance document LA 114: Climate, no further assessment is required.

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