The œ74m bypass was the longest running roads dispute of the 1990s,
destroying several protected sites and costing up to œ50m to guard. It
was opened in 1998 and has taken the large lorries out of the town
centre
and reduced off-peak traffic. But traffic is said to be just as
congested
at peak times and the level of bypass traffic is believed to be higher
than expected. Burley in Wharfedale No sooner had the concrete set on
the
A65 dual carriageway around the small dales village than developers
began
to build on the land between the road and the village which has now
almost
doubled in size. The road has taken through traffic away but the
character
of the village has radically changed and older residents say it is now
much more of a commuter dormitory village for Leeds. Brighton and Hove
bypass The œ80m Brighton bypass was mostly completed by the early
1990s.
It is claimed that it has not increased east west traffic and has led
to
slight reductions in city centre traffic. Travel around Brighton is now
easier for people with cars, but aside from great environmental damage,
there is intense pressure for out of town developments in the area of
outstanding
natural beauty. A55 The A55 north Wales coast road from near Chester to
Anglesey reduced the need to upgrade the A5 route through Snowdonia but
it has increased traffic by 400% on the coastal route and led to more
commuting
between north Wales and Cheshire and Merseyside. Twyford Down The M3
cutting
through the downs led to the first big road protest. it has had a
negligible
effect on Winchester traffic. Batheaston-Swainswick bypass The œ60m
Batheaston-Swainswick
bypass which was finished in the mid-1990s was intended to bypass the
world
heritage site of Bath and was the focus of fierce protests. It has
relieved
traffic in the villagos of Batheaston and Swainswick, but has not
greatly
relieved traffic in Bath. Oswestry The Oswestry A5 bypass.has made
several
villages more tranquil but has generated traffic and greenfield housing
development
Last changed; 14/09/09, 12/08/09