Weekend closures for works on new bypass to start

Ministers approved the Long Stratton bypass in 2023 and work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025

A series of weekend and overnight closures are set to start for works on a new bypass.

Norfolk County Council said once complete, the works on the A140 at Long Stratton would cut congestion through the town and support the local economy.

The bypass will join the A140, which is the main route between Norwich and Ipswich, via a new junction at Church Lane to the north of Long Stratton and at Oakside Farm to the south.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2025.

The authority said the project was "priority infrastructure" in supporting the delivery of housing and employment growth in the area.

It added that the cost estimate has increased to £46.9m because of delays in the planning process and impacts linked to inflation, including the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Funding for the project comes from the Department for Transport's Major Road Network Fund and local contributions, including money from the Greater Norwich Growth Board.

Ministers approved the 2.5 mile (3.9km) bypass in 2023 after motorists said the road had become a "pinch point" at Long Stratton.

The new bypass will be a single carriageway road east of the town

A full closure will be in place on the A140 between St Michael's Road and Brands Lane overnight from 20:00 BST on Thursday, 3 July to 06:00 on Friday, 4 July.

There will also be weekend closures at this location from 20:00 on Friday, 4 July to 06:00 on Monday, 7 July, and from 20:00 on Friday, 25 July until 06:00 on Monday, 28 July.

The authority said another weekend closure on the A140 near Oakside Farm is planned for the first weekend in August.

Bus services will also be affected and diversions will be put in place for motorists.

Once the works are complete, sections of the new bypass will be used to divert traffic around the existing A140 while works at Church Lane and Parkers Lane are carried out.