Response to A417 Missing Link claims

To state clearly from the outset, National Highways is not building a £6m private tunnel to the property that Mr Garlick lives in so that he can maintain access. 

On some of the assertions made:

• National Highways does not recognise the £4m-£6m figure and is unaware of where this originated from. As the underpass design is being finalised, any figure at this time would be subject to change. However, any figure would simply be part of the overall £460m scheme cost.
• This is not a ‘private tunnel’ for the property, it’s an underpass running under the main A417 that will support a Public Right of Way and provide access for various other vehicles, including the telecoms company which needs access to masts, and for maintenance vehicles to drainage.
• The Development Consent Order (DCO) sets out what National Highways will deliver as part of the scheme. The underpass was part of the original DCO and must meet design standards.
• The size of the underpass is being slightly redesigned due to the telecoms company. This is because the telecoms company initially required access for a 100-tonne crane, but smaller cranes will now suffice, therefore a smaller underpass is required. National Highways will not have dimensions until the final design is ready. 

National Highways and Principal Contractor Kier have been in regular contact with Mr Garlick, pre-agreeing any conditions under which he vacated the property, and ensuring that he has free access to the property when requested. 

National Highways appreciates that any work, particularly on such a major project, can cause disruption and it does all it can to minimise that. 

We have had lengthy discussions with Mr Garlick ahead of construction regarding any disruption to him, and agreed on a way forward that worked for both parties during his absence from the property. 

National Highways will continue to do its best to address any concerns and to minimise any impacts to the community and residents from our work on the scheme.