Programme of Archaeology along the A477, Carmarthenshire
Seeking the earliest possible archaeological advice for complex projects will ensure the best strategies are designed to protect important heritage assets and deliver important infrastructure improvements – on time and within budget.
The A477 that runs between St Clears and Red Roses in Carmarthenshire was a known traffic bottleneck and accident black spot, but is also within an area of significant archaeology.
An assessment of archaeological risk was absolutely essential before The Welsh Assembly Government’s proposed road improvements could start.
Gifford the lead contractor appointed AB Heritage to manage the programme of archaeology requirements.
Complex heritage management
The 9.3km stretch of road was known to contain a number of features of archaeological interest including the scheduled remains of the Dol Garn earthwork enclosure, believed to be of Iron Age or Romano-British date.
In addition, a number of listed structures including the Grade II Listed Pont Newydd Bridge, an earthwork at Llanddowror Castell that was historically recorded as a potential motte earthwork, and a large area of prehistoric potential associated with the nearby remains of a Neolithic Henge had been identified.
Careful planning and phased programme of archaeology delivered results
The challenge for the Client was how to manage the significance of the archaeology, and it’s importance to the local community, with the efficient progress of much needed road improvements.
Working closely with the team at Gifford, AB Heritage designed a full suite of investigation works to manage the project risk associated the archaeology and led a careful and phased programme on site to ensure the project stayed on course and on budget.
Over c.30 hectares of land was surveyed as part of the site investigations, with evaluation trenching, an archaeological strip, mapping and sample of intrusive ground works undertaken. A Scheduled Monument Consent for the works, within the limits of the Dol Garn Scheduled Monument was secured for the client.
Local people have welcomed the improved section of the A477, which now provides faster and safer road connections, and safe guards important heritage assets along the way.
Roy Emberton, Technical Director, Ramboll
“AB Heritage acted on our behalf, providing a Project Archaeologist to manage the South Wales A477 Improvement Scheme. They provided a supportive and proactive approach to the work undertaken and interacted well with members of the environmental team, Cadw and other stakeholders. They consistently provided high quality input into the Environmental Statement, Public Local Inquiry and licensing processes“
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AB Heritage is a registered organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists