This paper uses mixed methods to study the impact of the A465 bypass project in Ebbw Vale, an area with low levels of car ownership and high deprivation. Focus groups uncovered issues overlooked by the project appraisal, such as deterioration of access to local services through severance and poor integration of public transport with the road scheme. These impacts were hyper-local and were highly determined by social inequalities. The paper concludes with a critique of desk-based appraisal methods and a recommendation that social assessment be included in the design and appraisal of future transport projects. Karen Lucas spoke around this topic at the Northern Evidence Academic Forum in September 2022.