Long Stratton Bypass Project
24 September 2020
2020 Norfolk County Council
The vital Long Stratton bypass project is set to reach a further milestone next month as Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet prepare to set up a steering group of local councillors and officers. The group will be key in guiding the project over the coming years as they seek to secure funding and planning approval for the estimated £37.5m scheme.
Following £500,000 funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) just under a year ago, a project team has been working on producing an outline business case which it is hoped will secure the bulk of the cost of the bypass from the government. Over recent weeks site investigations have taken place which will provide important information for inclusion in the outline business case, which is expected to be submitted to the DfT in November this year.
Cllr Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: “The A140 through Long Stratton is a real pinch point that affects thousands of road users, and the people who live and work in Long Stratton, on a daily basis. We remain committed to this vital scheme which will cut congestion, help the local economy and vastly improve this major route linking Norwich and Ipswich.
“We’re continuing to press ahead with securing funding, and, working with the developer, expect to submit an updated planning application by the middle of next year. The bypass is set to create 625 new jobs and 1,800 new homes, open up improvements for cycling and walking, and solve issues local people have been facing for more than a generation.”
The target date for work to start on construction is mid-2023, with the road open to traffic before the end of 2024.
Cllr Alison Thomas, county councillor for Long Stratton, said: "I am very grateful for the continued push to deliver the much needed bypass to improve the lives of local residents."
Cabinet are set to discuss the Long Stratton bypass scheme on Monday, 5 October - see the papers for the meeting here: https://norfolkcc.cmis.uk.com/norfolkcc/Committees/tabid/62/ctl/ViewCMIS_CommitteeDetails/mid/381/id/169/Defa
