A mixed methods approach to the social assessment of transport infrastructure projects

Abstract In this paper, we propose a mixed methods quantitative and qualitative approach to capture fully the measurable less tangible social impacts of transport projects on local people communities. The was used assess potential strategic road by-pass project case study in deprived region Wales UK. specifically aimed stimulate economic growth regeneration areas it serves. ‘before after’ study, combined fine-grained, GIS-based spatial analysis secondary datasets with participative exercises residents five communities living adjacent road, interviews professional stakeholders. This significantly enhanced understanding both benefits disbenefits project. It helped reveal concerns that would not otherwise have been apparent from dataset alone. studies were also successful bringing table new ‘hard reach’ voices had heard through formal consultation public engagement process. revealed accruing could enhanced, whilst number its locally occurring negative avoided assessment employed earlier decision processes concerning routing design. Recommendations improve practice uptake assessments at option appraisal, design mitigation post evaluation stages are included paper.