A140 bypass: Long Stratton roads to close ready for major project

Conservative Graham Plant said the bypass - imagined here bypassing Long Stratton - would provide an economic boost to the "whole region"

Three months of temporary road closures have been announced as part of a project to build a long-awaited bypass.

Several streets will be shut in Long Stratton, Norfolk, for preparation works between January and March.

Residents have long campaigned for a new road to take traffic on the A140 away from the town.

Norfolk County Council said it would try to minimise disruption. The council says construction on the new bypass is due to start in the spring.

'Economic boost'

The temporary closures will take place in stages from 8 January to 29 March on Church Lane, Edges Lane, Hall Lane and Parkers Lane in Long Stratton - for site clearance work.

"We are unfortunately unable to provide exact dates at this stage as to when each particular road may be affected but will endeavour to provide continuous notice," said a council spokesperson.

This week, the Department for Transport authorised the council to make the necessary changes to the existing road in preparation for the bypass.

Conservative Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure at the council, said: "This is yet more fantastic news for long-suffering commuters and residents in Long Stratton, and will provide an economic boost to our whole region."

The bypass project was given formal planning permission in September.

The cost of the original project has increased from £37.4m to £46.2m, due to inflation and rising construction costs.