Environmental Assessment
Volume C-5.5
Slurry Pipeline
Traffic
•
tires striking irregularities in the road surface (impact load); and
•
oscillation of the vehicle suspension or “axle hop” (oscillating load)
(Hunaidi 2000).
The amount of vibration generated depends on the speed of the vehicle, the
condition of the roadway and the type or condition of the vehicle suspension.
Vehicles used for the project are expected to be similar to other vehicles of the
same class in Madagascar and will be expected to follow posted speed limits.
Route Nationale 2 is a paved road in relatively good condition. The routes
through Toamasina and Moramanga are well used and may have more
irregularities (potholes and damage from use) due to the existing traffic levels.
Changes to existing levels of ground vibration would occur based on the increase
in heavy vehicles due to the project. As stated in Table 5.5-5, less than one
heavy vehicle per hour is expected on this route. This is also a less than 1%
increase in these types of vehicles.
The amount of change in ground vibration along the local access roads depends
on the amount of existing traffic and the roadway conditions. The amount of
project traffic on these roads is expected to be the same as on route RN2 (less
than one per hour) and the road surface is expected to be graded gravel.
Mitigation for vibration may be necessary if homes are very close to the roadway
(within 200 m), and is dependent on speed and road condition.
5.5.5.3 Mitigation
Mitigations will include construction and operations best practice relative to
potential impacts on traffic flows, road improvements to minimize disturbance
and risks, and a workforce code of conduct with respect to driving and public
education. Socioeconomic effects of increased traffic along access roads is
addressed within the socioeconomics section. New roads, where required will be
routed to minimize social affects and will be built to accommodate planned
vehicle use.
Mitigations for noise and vibration include:
•
scheduling project traffic for daylight hours where possible to minimize
sleep disturbance by increased noise events (this has been assumed in
the analysis);
•
scheduling large vehicle (trucks and buses) trips as convoys to reduce
the number of times per day a disturbance may occur, if this option is
preferred by noise receivers;
Ambatovy Project
203
January 2006
