APPENDIX 7.1 Annex E South Kyle Wind Farm Abnormal Load Traffic Management Plan VATTENFALL Ref: 402-03640-00006 March 2013
VATTENFALL i Ref: 402.03640.00006 CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION... 2 1.1 Proposed Development... 2 1.2 Proposed Access Route... 2 1.3 Transport Configurations... 3 2.0 HAULAGE METHODOLOGY... 4 2.1 Necessary agreements... 4 2.2 Timing restrictions... 4 2.3 Escorts... 4 3.0 PROPOSED ACCESS ROUTE... 4 3.2 Route from Port of Ayr to Dalmellington... 5 3.3 A713 Dalmellington to B741 northern access (Meikle Hill site entrance)... 7 3.4 A713 Dalmellington to A713 Southern Access (Brownhills Forest)... 7 3.5 Site Access... 8 4.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS... 9 4.1 Locations... 9 4.2 Design Drawings... 10 5.0 FURTHER ASSESSMENT WORK... 10 5.1 Structures Consideration... 11 5.2 Provision for Trial Run and Plan for Removal of Street Furniture... 11 DRAWINGS Drawing H001 - A713 Private Access Road Entrance Drawing H002 - B741 Private Access Road Exit Drawing H003 - A713 Secondary Access Junction Drawing H004 - B741 Primary Access Junction
VATTENFALL 2 Ref: 402.03640.00006 1.0 INTRODUCTION Consulting has been instructed by Vattenfall to prepare a Traffic Management Plan for wind turbine access to the proposed South Kyle Wind Farm (the Site ), located near Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, Scotland. This Traffic Management Plan is a live document and will be developed as the project progresses. This document will be combined with a more detailed traffic management plan covering all traffic to the site, which will be prepared, managed and enforced by the CDM Principal Contractor. 1.1 Proposed Development The proposed South Kyle Wind Farm development is located approximately 3.9 km east of Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, over a number of hills within the forests of Kyle, Brownhills, Deughwater and Strathwiggan. The proposed development for South Kyle Wind Farm consists of 50 wind turbines and associated infrastructure. The wind turbine for the development has not yet been determined; however a route survey determining the suitability of the proposed abnormal load route from the Port of Ayr for a number of turbine components was commissioned. 1.2 Proposed Access Route The abnormal load route access study (the Access Study ) has determined that the most appropriate route for delivery of wind turbine components to the site would be from the Port of Ayr, utilising local roads, the A79, A719, A77, A713 and B741. The route for general construction vehicles will be dependent upon the location of materials and supplies that are being delivered. It is intended that aggregates for construction will be sourced on site and concrete will be batched on site. Aggregates and materials that cannot be sourced on site will be sourced as locally as possible and delivered to site using the main road network as follows: From the north (Glasgow and Ayr) the route for deliveries shall be along the A713 to Dalmellington, then either along the B741 eastbound to the northern access or southbound on the A713 for the southern access. From the south (M6 motorway) the route for deliveries shall be along the A75, A712 and A713 to Dalmellington, then either along the B741 eastbound to the northern site entrance or southbound along the A713 to the southern site entrance. From the east (A76 New Cumnock) the route for deliveries shall be along the B741 to the northern site entrance. From the west (Girvan) the B741 is subject to a number of weight limits, including a 3T weight limit at a bridge near to Dalmellington. These weight limits would prevent any deliveries being possible from the west of Dalmellington without diversion via Ayr. There are two proposed access junctions to the proposed wind farm development site. The northern construction access to the site would be from the existing South Kyle Forest site entrance off the B741, at Meikle Hill (the northern access ). The southern access from the A713, the existing Brownhills Forest site entrance, will also be available for use (the southern access ).
VATTENFALL 3 Ref: 402.03640.00006 It is envisaged that wind turbine components would be delivered to the Port of Ayr by sea and thereafter onward to the site by road, via abnormal loads. The abnormal loads ( the Loads ) would approach the site, travelling south along the A713. For abnormal loads entering the site at the northern access, the loads would exit the A713 onto a private road across ex-scottish Coal s Chalmerston land ( the private access road ), bypassing the town of Dalmellington. The loads would rejoin the public road network onto the B741 from the existing private access road entrance approximately 1.25 km south-west of the proposed site entrance at Meikle Hill. The southern access point to the site exists off the A713; this is an existing forestry access route for the Brownhills Forest. Both access routes are suitable for abnormal loads. Construction materials would be sourced as locally as possible (site won where possible) and would utilise both site entrances. 1.3 Transport Configurations Wind farm developments can generate significant traffic impacts associated with the vehicles removing and delivering materials during preparation and construction of the wind farm. The delivery of the wind turbine components and any equipment associated with connection and distribution of generated power may bring about impacts beyond that of the general construction traffic. Paramount during the consultation period is the need to consider the capacity of the highway network both locally and from the point of disembarkation to accommodate the extraordinary transport configurations necessary to deliver the various components comprising a wind turbine, as the various components are longer, wider and heavier than construction and use traffic. Movement of transport configurations in excess of 30 metres length, 5 metres width, or 44 tonnes gross weight are considered exceptional and are controlled by the Special Types General Order Regulations (STGO) or are subject to Special Order (SO or VR1) requirements. The application process regulating such movements may insist that a thorough examination of structural and negotiability aspects of the move are considered. The movement of abnormal indivisible loads is controlled by the requirements of the Department of Transport who stipulate varying notice procedures and notice period s dependent upon overall dimensions. The access study identified the transport configurations for the most onerous wind turbine components, utilising a specialist vehicle fleet.
VATTENFALL 4 Ref: 402.03640.00006 2.0 HAULAGE METHODOLOGY 2.1 Necessary agreements Anyone who intends to move an abnormal load on the public road network is obliged by law to give advance notification to the relevant local Road and Bridge Authority in order that the proposed route can be assessed for suitability. An abnormal load is a vehicle which exceeds certain weight, length or width limits set out in the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. Generally these limits are: Not exceeding 2.9 m (9'6") overall width. Not exceeding 18.3 m (60'0") overall length. Not exceeding 44,000 kgs (44t) gross weight. Further advice is available from the Structures Section of Road Services, the Highways Agency and Transport Scotland. Prior to the movement of abnormal loads, extensive public awareness is required to allow residents to plan and time their journeys to avoid disruption. The haulage contractor shall remain responsible for obtaining all necessary permits from the relevant road and bridge authorities along the access route. 2.2 Timing restrictions The movement of abnormal loads will need to be timed to avoid periods of heavy traffic flow to minimise disruption to the public. In addition to normal daily rush hour periods, Saturdays, festivals, major public events and Ayr race days need to be avoided. No consultation has been undertaken by at the time of writing this report, to determine if there will be timing restrictions imposed by the police or local authority. 2.3 Escorts Through urban areas temporary parking restrictions may be necessary to guarantee a clear route for the abnormal loads, and these need to be arranged in advance through the appropriate local authority. The parking restrictions will need to be locally enforced. Due to high traffic volumes, police escorts will be required through the town of Ayr, and along the Ayr Bypass to control oncoming and conflicting traffic, etc. Beyond Ayr, along the A713, escort vehicles will be required to control oncoming and conflicting traffic as there will be a requirement to use the whole carriageway width in locations. 3.0 PROPOSED ACCESS ROUTE A route access study, comprising of a visual inspection of the route and swept path analysis of the wind turbine components was undertaken which identified suitable routes to the site from the Port of Ayr for wind turbine components. Two potential access points were also identified; see Figure 7.1 (Volume 4) for an overview of the routes.
VATTENFALL 5 Ref: 402.03640.00006 Consulting have undertaken a visual inspection of the identified route to confirm its suitability for use. The following is a summary of the routes that have been identified: 3.1.1 Northern Access Route (entering the Site at the Meikle Hill site entrance) u/c Waggon Road; A79 Allison Street; A719 King Street / Whitletts Road / Main Road / High Road; A77 Ayr Bypass; and A713 Private access road bypassing the town of Dalmellington B741 This route would enter the site at the existing South Kyle Forest access junction direct from the B741, at Meikle Hill. 3.1.2 Southern Access Route (entering the Site at the Brownhills site entrance) u/c Waggon Road; A79 Allison Street; A719 King Street / Whitletts Road / Main Road / High Road; A77 Ayr Bypass; and A713. This route would enter the Site at the existing Brownhills Forest access junction direct from the A713, at Campbells Hill. Initial consultations with local highway authorities, police and other interested parties, have been undertaken. These have concluded that there are no significant issues along the access route of concern to the relevant authorities. Bridge structures along the route are considered to be appropriate for vehicle loadings. However further investigation and confirmation through swept path or trail run is required regarding horizontal and vertical alignment limitations. Details of the route and any road improvements are detailed below in sections 3.2 to 3.5. 3.2 Route from Port of Ayr to Dalmellington 3.2.1 U/C Waggon Road There is a gated access from the port at the end of Waggon Road which has previously been used as an exit from the port for abnormal loads. Waggon Road is straight with a mixture of housing and commercial premises along its length. Waggon Road is not a through route and is relatively lightly trafficked, though there are often a number of parked cars along its length. Along the road there are speed humps and a weight restriction in place. The weight restriction will require temporary suspension.
VATTENFALL 6 Ref: 402.03640.00006 Waggon Road is the approved route for large abnormal loads from the port to the wider road network. 3.2.2 A79 Allison Street, Ayr The junction of Waggon Road and Allison Street is a roundabout with a wide circulatory carriageway, amended to suit the passage of long abnormal load vehicles. Some street furniture at the roundabout is required to be temporarily removed for some loads. Allison Street is a typical urban dual carriageway with no direct pedestrian or vehicular access to properties. 3.2.3 A719 King Street / Whitletts Road / Main Road/ High Road, Ayr The junction of Allison Street and King Street is a large roundabout with a wide circulatory carriageway, amended to suit the passage of long abnormal load vehicles. Some street furniture at the roundabout will be required to be temporarily removed for some loads. King Street / Whitletts Road / Main Road / High Road are of dual carriageway standard with a mixture of residential and commercial use. Sections of the route have direct vehicular access to residential properties. Although there are a constant two lanes heading out of town, lane designation changes at the various junctions along the route, and there are a number of locations where there are cars parked onstreet. Timing of vehicle movements along this section will be critical as there will be a need to avoid periods of high demand, such as race meet days at Ayr Racecourse. 3.2.4 A77 Trunk Road The Whitletts Roundabout on the Ayr Bypass (A77) is a large roundabout with a wide circulatory carriageway; all of the entries are signal controlled. An escort will be required around the roundabout to prevent other vehicles entering the swept path area of the long loads. The escort(s) may need to give priority to the abnormal loads to prevent congestion / grid lock occurring due to the signals. The A77 around Ayr is a single carriageway road, with roundabouts encountered at major junctions. These roundabouts are large with generous geometry that would not pose any issues for abnormal load vehicles. Some street furniture at the Holmston Roundabout may be required to be removed temporarily for some loads. 3.2.5 A713 to Private Access Road (ex Scottish Coal Chalmerston access) entrance The A713 commences on the Ayr Bypass at the Bankfield Roundabout, and is a single carriageway road with no significant junctions to negotiate between Ayr and Dalmellington. Shortly after leaving the A77 at Ayr the route passes the entrance to Ayr General Hospital. The escorts would need to be aware of emergency movements to and from the hospital.
VATTENFALL 7 Ref: 402.03640.00006 Through the village of Patna there may be issues with parked vehicles. To ensure the route is clear, temporary on-street parking restrictions may be necessary. The geometry of the road is acceptable throughout with the following locations highlighted: Hollybush Bend o Although this is a tight bend it should be possible to negotiate with all loads Holehouse junction (Railway)) o Swept path work undertaken would imply that the loads are not passing beyond the road boundary, it should be noted that on the bend the road passes over a mineral railway bridge. During the vehicle trial run it needs to be confirmed that loads will not over sail the railway bridge. 3.3 A713 Dalmellington to B741 northern access (Meikle Hill site entrance) 3.3.1 Private Access Road (Dalmellington bypass) The Junction of the private access road with the A713 is very large and will accommodate the swept paths of the wind turbine transport vehicles. Drawing H001 shows swept path analysis at the junction. The route within the private access road has not been reviewed for TMP purposes. The exit junction from the private access road with the B741 will require improvement to allow the wind turbine transport vehicles to gain access to the public road. Drawing H002 shows swept path analysis at the junction, and proposed to allow the passage of long vehicles. 3.3.2 Private Access Road exit to northern site access (B741) The B741 is a two way road with wide verges. The alignment of the road would be acceptable for wind turbine transport vehicles. The junction from the B741 into the site at Meikle Hill will require some modification to accommodate the swept paths of the wind turbine transport vehicles as shown on Drawing H004. 3.4 A713 Dalmellington to A713 Southern Access (Brownhills Forest) 3.4.1 A713 Dalmellington to southern access Prior to entering the town of Dalmellington, Buchan s Bridge is situated north of the town, on the A713. Swept path analysis was undertaken to ensure loads would be able negotiate the bridge. Buchan s Bridge o Swept path analysis of the bridge would imply that the loads are able to cross this bridge. During the vehicle trial run this will be confirmed. The A713 continues as a two way road through the town of Dalmellington to the secondary access junction. Traffic management measures are currently in place throughout Dalmellington but these are not envisaged to be an issue for the movement of abnormal loads. There may be issues with parked vehicles within Dalmellington.
VATTENFALL 8 Ref: 402.03640.00006 To ensure the route is clear parking restrictions may be necessary. The route continues to the secondary access junction, approximately 7 km south of Dalmellington. The geometry of the road is acceptable with the following locations highlighted: Kirn Bridge o Swept path analysis and topographical surveys of the bridge imply that the loads are able to cross this bridge; during the vehicle trial run this will be confirmed. Mossdale Bridge o A risk of grounding on this bridge for the vehicle carrying the nacelle should be highlighted. The use of an alternative vehicle would overcome this issue. Trial run would confirm its suitability following confirmation of final transport configuration. Bends (near Carrier s Well Spring [NS 50005 03097]) o There may be a need to remove signs and fencing around these bends, depending on final configuration of the vehicle. 3.5 Site Access There are two proposed point of access onto Site: The northern access into the site is taken from the B741, north-east of Dalmellington, at the existing South Kyle Forest site entrance at Meikle Hill. o Drawing H003 shows the northern access junction swept path analysis, and necessary improvement. The southern access point into the proposed development is taken direct from the A713, south of Dalmellington and utilises an existing forestry access track (Brownhills Forest site entrance) at Campbells Hill. o Drawing H004 shows the southern access junction swept path analysis, and necessary improvement.
VATTENFALL 9 Ref: 402.03640.00006 4.0 REQUIREMENTS FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 4.1 Locations The only locations where significant construction are necessary to be undertaken are the site entrances and the exit from the private access road onto the B741. At other locations along the access route only minor are envisaged to be required and are listed in the table below. The extents of the road improvement are subject to confirmation from a vehicle trial run, and are subject to approval and agreement with the local roads authority. Location Route through and around Ayr Waggon Road, Ayr Waggon Road / Allison Street Roundabout, Ayr Allison Street (A79) / King Street (A719) Roundabout, Ayr A719 King Street / Whitletts Road / Main Road/ High Road, Ayr A77 Holmston Roundabout A713 Hollybush Bend A713 bend and bridge near Holehouse Railway Junction A713 Patna A713 Private Access Road access A713 Buchan s Bridge Required Work Timing of abnormal load movements to be determined to avoid peak traffic periods Temporary removal of weight restriction for duration of vehicle movements. (or exemption) Temporary parking restrictions (if necessary) Temporary removal of illuminated bollard on roundabout island.. Possible temporary removal of water service marker posts Possible temporary removal of bollards and lighting columns around perimeter of roundabout Temporary removal of street lighting column Temporary parking restrictions (if necessary) Possible temporary removal of traffic signs on roundabout central island Temporary parking restrictions (if necessary) Verge clearance zones required
VATTENFALL 10 Ref: 402.03640.00006 Location A713 Dalmellington A713 Kirn Bridge A713 Mossdale bridge A713 Bends A713 Brownhill site entrance (southern site access) Required Work Temporary parking restrictions (if necessary) to prevent grounding out of vehicles Load configurations to be assessed prior to construction following confirmation of turbine supplier and model. Removal of roadside signage, fence posts, etc. Widening of existing junction and verge clearance zones required B741 Private Access Road exit Widening of existing junction and verge clearance zones required B741 site access junction (Meikle Hill site entrance) (northern site access) Widening of existing junction and verge clearance zones required 4.2 Design Drawings Consulting has produced the following design drawings of the four points of access from the public road network H001 H002 H003 H004 A713 Private Access Road junction (northern access route) B741 Private Access Road (northern access route) A713 Southern Access Junction B741 Northern Access Junction The drawings detail the required work at the four points of access (and egress) from the public road network for wind turbine components. 5.0 FURTHER ASSESSMENT WORK Prior to construction, a second route report will be commissioned in order to gather a more up-to-date assessment of the route.
VATTENFALL 11 Ref: 402.03640.00006 A vehicle trial run by the appointed haulage contractor is also required to be undertaken following completion of identified improvements, but prior to the delivery of wind turbine components. The trial run will determine if any additional are necessary. The vehicle trial run will determine the need for any further at locations that have been considered to be onerous. 5.1 Structures Consideration Prior to the movement of the abnormal loads, the appointed haulage contractor is to submit details of vehicles, including axle and gross loadings to the relevant local authorities. 5.2 Provision for Trial Run and Plan for Removal of Street Furniture A trial run is to be organised with an appropriate haulage contractor using a vehicle simulated for carrying a wind turbine blade, being the longest and most onerous turbine component. The whole route between the port of Ayr and both development accesses would be subject to the vehicle trial run. Although the route within Ayr and around the A77 Ayr Bypass has previously been utilised by wind turbine transport, the turbines that have been transported had rotors up to 90 m diameter (45m blades). The proposed turbines for South Kyle Wind Farm are likely to be greater in size, and due to this the trial run should include the section of the route within Ayr and around the Ayr bypass. The proposed route along the A713 from Ayr Bypass to both development accesses, along with the private access road, has not been previously used for wind turbine transport. These sections are to be subject to the vehicle trial run.