Vulnerability of the project to risks

There are numerous areas throughout the scheme extents that have a high likelihood of flooding due to river flooding and surface water and small watercourses flooding. Works will be programmed as far as is reasonably practicable to avoid periods of adverse weather or heavy rainfall. It is likely that flooding on the A9 within the scheme extents should be reduced due to the existing concrete drainage system being replaced to improve its condition.

Works are restricted to areas of engineered ground of the A9 trunk road and traffic management will be designed in line with existing guidance. TM will consist of single lane closures on both sides of the carriageway. Local residents will be notified of working hours and provided with appropriate contact information. Pedestrians or other NMUs will be accommodated within the traffic management setup.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which includes measures to avoid or reduce disruption to road traffic, will be produced in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual (Department of Transport 2009). The TMP will ensure that there is no severance of community assets, access routes or residential development.

The works will not result in any change in vulnerability of the A9 carriageway to risk, or in severity of major accidents/disasters that would impact on the environment. The replacement/ installation of new VRS is designed to protect users of the A9 trunk road and will have a beneficial impact on road users.

These measures along with mitigation measures and standard working practices will be detailed in the SEMP and adhered to on site. The vulnerability of the project to risks of major accidents and disasters is considered to be low.