Environmental Assessment
Volume B-5.5
Mine
Traffic
Ambatovy Project
387
January 2006
5.5
TRAFFIC
5.5.1
Introduction
This section presents the Environmental Assessment for the effects of the mine
on traffic. As per the Ambatovy Project (the project) terms of reference, the
changes in traffic levels are predicted and compared to baseline traffic levels.
The effects of increased traffic is assessed qualitatively in relation to potential
impacts on nearby residences, livestock and human safety.
5.5.2
Study Area
The key public access routes to be used for mine access traffic are Route
Nationale (RN) 2, RN44 and the railway line from Toamasina to Moramanga.
Effects on traffic along these routes are assessed. The mine access road between
Ampitambe and the mine camp is also subject to some public use, and is
discussed.
5.5.3
Baseline Summary
The key public access routes for the mine are RN2 from Toamasina and RN2
from Antananarivo to Moramanga, and RN44 from Moramanga to the mine
access road. Both RN2 and RN44 are two-lane, paved roads in good condition.
The access road from Ampitambe to the mine is a dirt road in moderate
condition, which will be upgraded to a wider gravel road for the project.
Goods coming into or out of Madagascar largely move between Antananarivo
and Toamasina, along the country’s main highway, RN2. RN44 links to RN2 at
Moramanga and is used heavily by agricultural truck traffic, as it services one of
the country’s main rice growing regions. Moramanga is about three hours’ travel
from Antananarivo (130 km along RN2) and five hours’ travel from Toamasina
(250 km along RN2). The mine access road is ten minutes (10 km) from
Moramanga along RN44 (Figure 5.5-1).
Baseline traffic volumes over 24-hour periods for the key public access routes to
be used by mine traffic are provided in Table 5.5-1.
