Construction access and traffic routes

During the construction phase, our construction traffic will need to temporarily use the public highway.

We are working closely with the local Highways Authorities to identify and agree appropriate routes. We are using feedback from the 2025 statutory consultation and the 2024 non-statutory consultation, and will also be applying knowledge gained from the trial HDD works (planned for 2026), to evaluate how traffic routes would work.

We recognise that construction traffic impacts need to be carefully managed. Some of the steps we are taking include:

• Where practical we would make use of a construction haul road along the length of the pipeline to minimise traffic needing to use local roads.
• Where private access tracks could help to avoid sensitive areas we would look to use these instead of adopted roads.
• We would make efficient use of vehicles, for example using vehicles which have delivered supplies to remove materials, where practical.
• We would dampen surfaces and use sheeting to avoid dust.
• Wheel washing to prevent spreading mud on to the local road network.
• We would survey the condition of roads before our works start and ensure we leave them in the same or better condition.
• Where needed we would improve roads and junctions, for example to provide passing places or improve visibility. Where appropriate, we would leave these in place for the community to use.
• Our traffic would use one-way systems where this helps to manage flows or address local sensitivities.
• Our traffic would be timed to avoid routes past schools at pick up and drop off times.
• We would ensure all routes for construction traffic are clearly signposted.
• We would ensure our drivers are considerate, maintain slow speeds and pass vulnerable road users carefully.

Our commitments to managing traffic would be included in a detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan, which would be obliged to comply with under the terms of the DCO.

Current proposals

We have identified a range of routes that our construction traffic could use (they are not yet fixed or final). These are shown on our interactive map here. These include options and aim to retain flexibility, and we aim to refine plans as the project progresses.

Temporary construction compounds

Temporary construction compounds would be required for the storage of construction materials (including pipe) equipment as well as site office facilities. These would be established prior to commencing construction works.

11 locations for temporary construction compounds are identified and shown on the interactive map here. This includes a ‘search area’ for a temporary construction compound near Killingholme, where discussions are ongoing to identify an appropriate site.