Transport Scotland, Townfoot Bridge Jedburgh Environmental Impact Assessment Determination

Scottish Government Riaghaltas na h-Alba gov.scot

Transport Scotland
Notice Of Determination A68 100 Townfoot Bridge Jedburgh Environmental Impact Assessment Determination Under Section 55a Of The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984

The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have determined that the project to replace the expansion joints on the A68 100 Townfoot Bridge, Jedburgh is a relevant project within the meaning of section 55A of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 ("the 1984 Act") and falls within Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of certain public and private projects on the environment, but that having regard to -

(a) the selection criteria contained in Annex III of that Directive, namely

(i) the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity;

(ii) the production of waste; (Hi) pollution and nuisances;

(iv) the risks to human health (for example due to water contamination or air pollution);

(v) areas classified or protected under national legislation; Natura 2000 areas designated by Member States pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC;

(vi) landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance;

(vii) coastal zones and the marine environment,

(b) the results of the Environmental Screening Assessment under section 55A(2) of the 1984 Act,

(c) the information set out in the Record of Determination dated 17 August 2022, available at

. scot/transport-network/roads/road-orders-and-records-of-determination/#63527, the project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The main reasons for the conclusion that no Environmental Impact Assessment is required are:
(a) Although several Natura 2000 sites lie within 0.3 km of work activities, all works are contained to the Bridge therefore no direct land take, land use or clearance is required, and the works will therefore not result in loss or function (e.g. habitat loss or species fragmentation) of any of the designated sites;

(b) The works entail upgrading and strengthening, on a like-for-like basis, the Forth Road Bridge Suspended Span Under Deck Access system and will not damage, modify, or alter the character or footprint of the Category A listed structure;

(c) There are no properties or sensitive receptors within 0.3 km of the scheme extents; and

(d) No impacts on the environment are expected during the operational phase as a result of the works. The features of the project which are envisaged to avoid or prevent significant adverse effects on the environment are:

(a) There will be no in-water works;

(b) There will be limited consumption of materials and natural resources and generation of waste associated with the works will be reused where practicable;

(c) With good practice pollution prevention measures implemented on site, there is a negligible risk of a pollution event; and Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate  removal and disposal of waste.


A member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers Transport Scotland, Roads, Buchanan House, 58 Port Dundas Road, Glasgow G4 0HF