Celebration marks full completion of Long Stratton Bypass

Council leaders and local dignitaries gathered in Long Stratton today to mark the official completion of the Long Stratton Bypass. 

Construction of Norfolk County Council's flagship infrastructure project started in April 2024 and has taken just 18 months to complete. 

The main section of the bypass came into use in early August whilst further works to the tie in's, link roads and two over passes were still being carried out, but all major works have now concluded. 

Guests were taken on a tour of the finished scheme, and a plaque was unveiled to mark the project's completion. 

Cllr Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council said: "I'm delighted to see this key infrastructure project successfully completed. It is already making a real difference for the long-suffering commuters and residents in Long Stratton but will also provide an economic boost to our whole region, through the creation of new jobs and the delivery of over 1800 new homes. 

"This project is a great example of how as a Council we can deliver large scale projects that make a real difference to local communities across our County.  This bypass strengthens our transport links with our neighbours in Suffolk which stands us in good stead as we establish a Combined Authority for the region, and we will continue to fight for better infrastructure in Norfolk." 

Nearly £27m pounds has been spent in the local area during the road's construction, with hundreds of hours also dedicated to student placements, apprenticeships and education workshops in local schools, along with two community projects ran over the summer holidays to transform outdoor spaces at two local primary schools, with the support of Octavius' supplier chain partners. 

Jamie Harrison, Delivery Director for Octavius' highways business said: "Delivery of this project has been a success on so many levels. Significant social value has been created, meaningful carbon reductions achieved, and the project's goals fully realised."  

Cllr Alison Thomas, the county council's local member for Long Stratton said:  "Myself and fellow residents campaigned for this new road for many years' and I'm delighted to see the project now fully realised. I would like to thank Octavius for everything they have put back into the local community during construction and we must now work to ensure the new road and reduced traffic leaves a lasting legacy on the town." 

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. 

Leader of South Norfolk Council, Councillor Daniel Elmer, said: "For decades South Norfolk Council has campaigned alongside local residents for the bypass and we're delighted to see it completed. The opening of the new road has been transformational for Long Stratton and its residents, it has already eased congestion, improved air quality and had a huge beneficial impact on the town." 

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: "The Long Stratton Bypass is a fantastic project for the local community and is already delivering real benefits - shaving time off journeys and growing the economy in the region, making sure every part of the country benefits from our Plan for Change. This project shows exactly how we're renewing our road network and rebuilding Britain by investing in infrastructure that connects communities, supports housebuilding and creates opportunities for working people." 

Cllr Mike Stonard, Chair of the Greater Norwich Growth Board and Leader of Norwich City Council said: "It's great to see this bypass finished, it is a testament to the hard work of all and outstanding partnership working. It will mean a massive increase in the quality of life for local people and will reduce congestion in Long Stratton and improve the local environment." 

James Nicholls, Managing Director of Norfolk Homes Ltd, who are the developer building 600 homes to the west of Long Stratton, said: "We are delighted that the bypass is now fully up and running and the positive impacts of it are already clearly evident. We (Norfolk Homes Ltd) will shortly be releasing the first houses for sale on our Tharston Park site, which will further demonstrate the huge benefits of the wider Long Stratton Project".