New road will ease congestion in Long Stratton, cut noise and air pollution, and support plans for new homes and jobs in the area
Norfolk is set to benefit from £26.2 million in government funding to help construct the planned A140 Long Stratton Bypass, Roads Minister Baroness Vere announced today (24 July 2021).
The scheme will see a new 2.5-mile road built to the east of Long Stratton, ensuring faster and smoother journeys while directly supporting plans for 1,800 new homes and the development of new employment land in the area. The bypass is designed to significantly ease congestion through the town, reducing noise and air pollution while providing better accessibility to the town centre for cyclists and pedestrians.
The investment comes as part of the government’s drive to build back better from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and boost transport links across the country.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:
Cllr Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport and member of the Transport East partnership, said:
Currently, journeys in and out of Long Stratton are often very slow along the narrow route into the town centre. The new bypass, with speed limits of between 50 mph and 60 mph, will significantly reduce journey times. It will include 3 new roundabout junctions as well as a new footbridge to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.
The full cost of the Long Stratton Bypass scheme will be £37.4 million, with Norfolk County Council securing £9.2 million on top of the government’s £26.2 million investment.