Roads and the environment : the environmental impact of local road construction and the appropriate compensation measures

Abstract

In the local road planning situation a number of deficiencies still exist with respect to the effects that roads leave on the environment. With the ever increasing number of cars on our roads and the degradation of the local environment caused by traffic, a step forward needs to be taken, so that the design of our roads will reflect the importance that environmental and sustainability issues are playing in our everyday life. The dissertation presents a framework of actions, that need to be taken, in order to introduce environmental management in the local road construction projects. The roles that different bodies, starting from the involved institutional entities in our country, down to the road administrators, planners and contractors, have to play, are outlined, in view of the international importance being given to environmentally sustainable transport. Aspects that need to be taken into consideration, when assessing the environmental consequences of new road projects, as well as of maintenance and rehabilitation of the existing road network, are numerous. However, the most important environmental impacts, which affect the noise environment, air quality, water resources, flora and fauna, and landscape, amongst other factors, are discussed with the purpose of highlighting the possible remedial measures. The economical aspects of these environmental concerns are best illustrated through the different evaluation techniques available. Different examples present an overview of how these matters are considered on an international basis and illustrate the approaches taken by different countries. The Appendices provide insights into relevant legislation, regulations, surveys and case studies. Finally recommendations and an action checklist are presented to demonstrate an overview of how future road construction projects can be managed to attain the desired sustainability aspects. It is hoped that all this will prove useful to those involved in achieving, a much debated and difficult issue, of a better road environment for our country.