Environmental Assessment
Volume C-5.5
Slurry Pipeline
Traffic
5.5
TRAFFIC
5.5.1
Introduction
This section presents the Environmental Assessment for the effects of the slurry
pipeline 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 are 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 pipeline access traffic are Route
Nationale (RN) 2 between Toamasina and Moramanga, and the individual access
roads from RN2 to the pipeline Right-of-Way (RoW). Effects on traffic along
these routes are assessed.
5.5.3
Baseline Summary
The key public access routes for the pipeline are RN2 from Toamasina to
Moramanga, and several existing and planned routes between RN2 and the RoW.
Route Nationale 2 is a two-lane, paved road in good condition. Presently, most
of the routes between RN2 and the RoW are dirt roads in relatively poor
condition, which will require upgrading.
Goods coming into or out of Madagascar largely move between Antananarivo
and Toamasina, along RN2. Moramanga is about five hours’ travel from
Toamasina (250 km along RN2).
Baseline traffic volumes over 24-hour periods for RN2 are provided in
Table 5.5-1. Traffic volumes are higher along RN2 at the Toamasina end, due to
local traffic moving in and out of Toamasina as well as long-distance traffic
bound for Moramanga. Baseline traffic for the full length of RN2 is expected to
more closely match traffic levels at the Moramanga end of this road segment
(Table 5.5-1)
Ambatovy Project
197
January 2006
