ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION IN THE LOCATION AND DESIGN OF ROADS IN SWEDEN. CASE STUDIES. BACKGROUND REPORT

The presented 34 cases of road projects have been analysed with the aim to find out how the environmental consideration within the road sector has developed over time. Groups of factors of significance were identified with regard to how environmental aspects were taken into account. Environmental impact assessment documents are one of the six groups. For each case it is noted which of these factors were relevant. Also the links to land use planning are noted for the studied cases. The extent of environmental adaptation and mitigation measures are documented and evaluated for about 50 % of the cases. Some of the projects have been stopped for environmental reasons. The information is mainly gathered from experts and persons at environmental and planning authorities in addition to documents. The results are further analysed and compared with other research and development within the field of environmental impact assessment. The focus of this research has been the possibilities for increased quality and benefits of environmental impact assessment in the planning process, at acceptable costs.