Long Stratton residents to be given first look at new bypass ahead of sections of route being opened for traffic
Residents are set to be given their first look at a new bypass in Long Stratton ahead of sections of the route being opened for traffic.
A community open day is being held on Saturday, giving people a one-off opportunity to run, walk or cycle on a section of the new road before it begins to be used.
Bike Active Norfolk, a local cycling charity, will lead a cycle ride of the route at 11am, and a walking parade featuring community groups will start at 12.30pm.
The event, which is being held between 11am and 3pm, will feature food vendors, local businesses and partner organisations showcasing what’s currently available in the town.
It will also gather views from the community on how they would like to see the town centre develop once the bypass is completed.
This element of the event is being facilitated by the Long Stratton Enterprise Partnership set up by Octavius Infrastructure, who are constructing the bypass on behalf of Norfolk County Council.
Cllr Alison Thomas, county councillor for the area, said: “I campaigned for this new road for many years and I’m delighted to see the project now moving into the final stages.
“The event supports this year’s council theme ‘know your neighbour’ and provides an excellent opportunity to bring local people together in a truly unique and fun way and something I’m sure the whole town will get behind.
“Hosting the event whilst the existing A140 is closed to through traffic will also provide a real taste of what life might be like once the bypass is fully complete and its important for local residents to share their views on how they would like to see the town develop in the future”.
Residents can access the site by foot and bike via Edges Lane or Parkers Lane only. No access will be available via Church Lane or Hall Lane.
Everyone is encouraged to walk, wheel or cycle to the event but parking will be available at the former South Norfolk Council office on Swan Lane for blue badge parking or anyone travelling from further afield, with a shuttle bus available.
Following the event, the new bypass will be open to traffic in the coming weeks and will be used as a diversion route during the remaining construction period.
This will happen once essential works to the existing A140 have been successfully completed under a series of weekend closures.
Paul Browne, project director for Octavius Infrastructure said: “I’m thrilled we’re able to give the local community the opportunity to view our progress firsthand before the route comes into use.
“We appreciate the forthcoming closures in the area will cause some inconvenience but hopefully the public recognise their importance to the delivery of the project.
“Once these essential works are complete we will be able to use the new road to significantly limit further disruption for the remainder of the project, which we remain on course to complete before the end of the year.”