Public consultation on Norwich Western Link launched
The 3.9 mile duel carriageway would connect two roads and attract thousands of cars if it goes ahead
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
From today, locals are being given the chance to make their voices heard on Norfolk County Council's proposals for the new Norwich Western Link scheme.
The eight-week pre-planning application consultation will give more details about the proposed 3.9 mile dual carriageway road that would connect the A1270 Broadland Northway to the A47 west of Norwich.
Part of the plans, a transparent environmental barrier is proposed along the viaduct which would reduce visual and noise impacts and help to minimise spray from vehicles.
Figures published as part of the consultation show that nearly 25,000 vehicles a day are anticipated to use the Norwich Western Link in 2026, the year it is scheduled to open, rising to 36,500 vehicles 15 years later.
Plans are said to make a huge difference to the local road network too.
Cllr Martin Wilby, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure at Norfolk County Council, said: “We’re working towards getting the planning application for the Norwich Western Link finalised and submitted next year, but before we do we want to share more details on our proposals and get people’s feedback so we can take this into account.
“This is a really significant project for Norfolk that would complete a fully dual carriageway orbital route around Norwich alongside National Highways’ A47 North Tuddenham to Easton dualling scheme. A great deal of care and expertise is going into developing our proposals for the Norwich Western Link to balance all the elements we need to consider, and I hope lots of people will be interested in looking through the information we’re sharing through this consultation and giving us their thoughts.”
Proposed features along the route including ponds, a layby and planting which are all said to help screen the new road from view and reduce noise from the surrounding area.
Green bridges and underpasses are planned to guide bats and other wildlife across the road safely, and two of the green bridges will link into the local Public Rights of Way network and be available for use by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
If it goes ahead, traffic control measures such as road closures, reduced speed limits and changes to junctions are proposed on some minor and B roads, including in areas south of the A47 and north of the A1067, to encourage traffic to keep to major routes.
Four consultations will be held during the consultation period, held at:
• Barnham Broom Village Hall on Friday 2 September (12-8pm)
• The Costessey Centre on Friday 9 September (1-8pm)
• Weston Longville Hall for All on Thursday 15 September (12-8pm)
• Felthorpe Village Hall on Thursday 22 September (12-8pm)
There will also be opportunities for people to speak to members of the project team about the proposals via bookable online and phone appointments.
The public consultation will close on Sunday 9 October and the planning application for the project is due to be submitted next year. The project is scheduled to get underway in late 2024 with the road open for use in late 2026.
People can find out more about the consultation, view the proposals and give feedback by heading to the Norfolk County Council website at www.norfolk.gov.uk/nwl.