Lamsey Lane, Heacham
Norfolk County Council are proposing to implement signalised control of the existing Lamsey Lane/A149 junction.
This scheme seeks to improve reliability of bus services in the area by reducing inconsistent delays for all traffic turning right out of Lamsey Lane onto the busy A149.
The scheme would make the junction safer and easier to navigate for all traffic (including HGVs). It would also improve safety for those walking and cycling with the introduction of a new push button crossing on Lamsey Lane and shared use facilities either side of the junction.
The new junction will include signals from all directions to allow control of traffic at the junction and widening of the existing carriageway to allow for left hand turning lanes on Lamsey Lane and the A149.
A plan of the proposed changes is available via the survey link below and hard copies are available to view in Heacham village at the local library or Parish Council office (during normal opening hours).
Deadline
The deadline for comments is Monday 26 May.
Drop in Session
We are holding a drop in session 3-7pm on Wednesday 14 May in the Parish Council office at Old Friends Hall, Heacham to answer any questions about the proposals. Alternatively get in touch on the details below if you are unable to attend.
Contact
Please email us at TFNorfolk@norfolk.gov.uk if you have any queries on this proposal or require information in an alternative format.
Read our privacy notice find out how we use your personal information.
Next Steps
All responses will be carefully considered in consultation with the local councillor and cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport as appropriate before any decisions are made on how to proceed with the project.
If approved to take forward, the advertisement of any formal Traffic Regulation Orders needed to deliver the project will provide a further opportunity for the public to comment.
This webpage will be kept up to date with the latest progress and information.
Background
This budget for this scheme is £1.7m which will be funded as part of Norfolk County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan. This funding can only be used for bus service improvements and cannot be used to fund other council services or initiatives.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded the county council nearly £50m of funding for its Bus Service Improvement Plan, aimed at improving bus services and infrastructure facilities across the county. The plan includes measures such as integrated travel hubs, new and more frequent services and improvements to infrastructure which remove pinch points such as this project at Lamsey Lane. You can read more about our work on the Bus Service Improvement Plan by visiting www.norfolk.gov.uk/busstrategy
Frequently asked questions
Why is this scheme needed?
Bus services in the area currently experience significant and inconsistent delays due to difficulties turning right out of Lamsey Lane onto the A149.
This proposal would remove this issue for buses and general traffic. A number of accidents have also been recorded at this location and providing a signalised junction would greatly improve safety for all users.
Can this money be spent on something else?
This funding is allocated by the Department for Transport and can only be used for bus service improvements and cannot be used to fund other council services or initiatives.
Was a roundabout considered?
A roundabout at the junction was considered in the development of this proposal but due to traffic flows on the A149, vehicles would still experience difficulties exiting Lamsey Lane.
It would also take longer to construct, require additional land and be more expensive to deliver so provision of signalised junction was deemed the most effective option.
Will the signals delay traffic on the A149?
Inevitably traffic signals do cause some delay, but the delays for main traffic using the A149 will be minimal as the opposing stages (e.g. right turn into Lamsey Lane and egress from Lamsey Lane) will run for a short time period only and use of the pedestrian crossing will be very infrequent.
Our modelling shows the average delay for northbound traffic to be 11.4 seconds and southbound traffic only 5.1 seconds as movements are only restricted when vehicles are exiting Lamsey Lane.
Will the right turn into Lamsey Lane be on its own filter light?
Yes. Traffic heading north will be held on the A149 to allow vehicles to turn safely into Lamsey lane.
Will the scheme include any street lighting?
Any lighting installed would be minimal but would be necessary for the pedestrian crossing as this is a legal requirement. The latest energy efficient LEDs would be used which omit a low level of light pollution.
What will be the speed limit on Lamsey Lane?
There are no plans to reduce the speed limit on Lamsey Lane as part of this proposal from the current 60mph. If there is a local desire to reduce the speed limit this can be explored alongside this proposal through the standard process as set out in the council's speed management strategy.
When would the scheme be constructed?
The scheme would be constructed outside of the peak tourist season to limit disruption in the local area.
What will the impact be while the scheme is constructed?
In order to keep disruption to a minimum Lamsey Lane would be closed to all traffic whilst the scheme is constructed.
This would minimise the need traffic management on the A149 and all works would be conducted outside of the peak tourist season.
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