Long Stratton Bypass opens to traffic
Motorists using the A140 south of Norwich this morning have begun using the long awaited Long Stratton Bypass for the first time.
This follows the successful completion of essential tie in works which took place under a full road closure over the weekend.
The Hall Lane road bridge is also now set to come into use from the end of this week subject to successful completion of final surfacing works.
Norfolk County Councillor for the area, Cllr Alison Thomas said:
"I campaigned for this new road for many years' and I'm delighted to see the project now moving ever closer to completion.
"This is a historic day for the town and I look forward to seeing all of the benefits it brings to our residents and across the whole region once complete.
Paul Browne, Project Director for Octavius Infrastructure, who are constructing the bypass on behalf of Norfolk County Council said:
"We thank the Long Stratton community for their ongoing patience and support and are delighted to see cars using the bypass for the first time.
"Reaching this key milestone is testament to the hard work and dedication across our team and delivery partners and will greatly reduce disruption for the remainder of the construction, which remains on schedule for completion by the end of the year."
All through traffic is now able to utilise the full length of the bypass in both directions but access to the town is from the Church Lane end (northern roundabout) only whilst a temporary closure is in place at Parkers Lane (south of the town centre) to allow junction realignment works to be completed.
Temporary lights are currently in place at the southern end of the bypass to maintain access for construction traffic and residents affected by the closure but any delays on the A140 should be minimal.
This project is a true collaboration with South Norfolk Council and Norfolk Homes, with developer contributions and major funding commitments from The Department for Transport, Greater Norwich Growth Board and South Norfolk Council supporting the project's (£46.9m) overall budget.
