Keeping Norfolk Moving: Norfolk County Council restricts roadworks in Norwich for the festive season
Norfolk County Council is committed to keeping Norwich moving throughout the festive season and to support businesses, residents, and visitors during this busy period, the council will restrict works on roads around the city.
From next week the County Council is restricting the volume of roadworks taking place on the main roads into the city centre and within the inner ring road in Norwich in the lead up to Christmas. The only exceptions will be emergency works carried out by utility companies, but these will be carefully monitored to ensure that any such works are undertaken only as a last resort.
Current highway improvement projects are also coming to an end ahead of the busy Christmas period. The temporary traffic lights needed for the Yellow Pedalway works at the junction of Holt Road and the airport entrance have already been removed and works at Marl Pitt Lane/Dereham Road and the Harford Park and Ride/Ipswich Road bus lane will all be completed within the next week.
While the County Council has always tried to remove non-essential highway works over this time of year, it's particularly important this year due to the ongoing National Highways works at the Thickthorn roundabout and along the A47, which are set to continue over the festive period. By pausing the city centre works the county council is responsible for, we aim to minimise disruption and keep traffic flowing as much as possible during this busy time.
The festive season brings increased demand on the city's roads and car parks, which often reach capacity. To help ease congestion, we encourage everyone to consider alternative travel options. Norwich has an excellent Park and Ride service, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to access the city centre. A full double-decker bus can remove as many as 75 cars off the road, helping to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving for everyone.
Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "Christmas brings a significant increase in visitors to Norwich, and we've planned ahead to keep the city moving. By pausing scheduled roadworks and promoting alternative travel options, we're taking steps to manage demand and reduce congestion. These measures are part of a strategic approach to doing what we can within our control to help people enjoy the city during this busy festive period." Let's work together to keep Norfolk moving.
