Multi-million funding bid for Norwich Western Link road due soon
A bid for funding for the Norwich Western Link road is being prepared.
Last updated 1st Jun 2021
A bid for millions of pounds to help pay for the proposed Norwich Western Link road will be discussed by Norfolk County Council next month.
The authority wants the Government to cover the costs of 85% of the road build which amounts to £168 million.
The road project is expected to come in at just under £200 million in total.
The council says the road, which would link the Broadland Northway (NDR) with the A47, would boost Norfolk's economy, reduce accidents and journey times, and cut carbon emissions.
Councillor Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: "The Norwich Western Link is a crucial part of our plans to boost Norfolk's recovery, through major infrastructure improvements and is a high priority in our plans.
"The Government has ruled this is high value for money, so we expect it to fund a massive injection of money into Norfolk, delivering a road that so many people and businesses want and showing their confidence in Norfolk."
The proposed 3.8-mile road would carry 30,000 vehicles per day.
A report to cabinet says that the benefits include:
Significant reductions in north-south and south-north journey times, west of Norwich - boosting the economy
Improved access to employment sites and housing developments
Reduced accidents
Reduced rat-running through villages
Reductions in carbon emissions from vehicles
Investment in sustainable transport measures to support walking, cycling and public transport use.
An additional £22 million would be spent on environmental measures, including green bridges and wildlife underpasses, following extensive survey work.
Once cabinet has made its decision on Monday, 7th June, the full council will meet later that day and be asked to endorse their decision.
If the recommendations are approved, a pre-planning public consultation will start in the autumn. A planning application would follow in early 2022.
If planning permission is granted, work would start in late 2023, with the road due to open in late 2025.