Consultation on road safety measures for Newmarket Road, Norwich

Views are being sought on a series of proposed road safety measures for two junctions and a roundabout along Newmarket Road in Norwich.

Norfolk County Council and the Transport for Norwich (TfN) partnership are looking for feedback on plans to assist those travelling through the area by bus, bike or on foot, including improved pedestrian crossings and better provision for cycling and buses.

Newmarket Road is a key route into Norwich from the south-west and forms part of the cycling 'blue pedalway' between Wymondham, Hethersett, Eaton and the city centre.

Under the plans, improvements to the Eaton/Leopold Road Junction, Lime Tree/Christchurch Road Junction and Daniels Road Roundabout would be funded by the Department for Transport's Transforming Cities Fund which can only be spent on the highway network.

Cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport Martin Wilby said: "We want to take the steps necessary to improve road safety on this stretch of road and are keen to hear what local people have to say as their input is invaluable in taking these proposals forward."

Councillor Emma Corlett, who represents the Town Close division, said: "I would urge local residents and all pedestrians and cyclists who use this route to take part in the consultation. This area is a key route for young people accessing local high schools and the college, so I would particularly urge them to respond as too often the voice of young people doesn't get heard. I am pleased to see that after previous campaigns by local residents and Town Close councillors that the traffic light signals at the Christchurch Road and Lime Tree Road junctions are to be retained."

Councillor Brian Watkins, who represents Eaton division, said: "I welcome the public consultation which is due to take place on the proposed Newmarket Road improvements.  It is vital that the traffic lights at Eaton Road and Leopold Road are retained because this is what the vast majority of people in the area want to see.  I welcome the plan to widen the crossing on Newmarket Road which will be particularly beneficial for the hundreds of school children who use the route each weekday.  The shared push button crossing at the Eaton Road junction is also a good idea and will help to improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists at this point.''

The proposals include:

Lime Tree/Christchurch Road Junction 

• Widening pedestrian crossing on Newmarket Road at its junction with Christchurch Road and Lime Tree Road and removing central islands
• New shared use push button crossing over Lime Tree Road at its junction with Newmarket Road
• Removing existing bus stops on Newmarket Road (both sides) west of Lime Tree Road
• Widening the cycle lane and installation of segregator 'wands' on the north side of Newmarket Road either side of the Christchurch Road junction
• Widening shared use pavement on three sides of the Christchurch/Lime Tree junction with Newmarket Road
• New bollards on the southeast corner of Newmarket Road and Lime Tree Road
• Proposed new link for cycle access onto the existing off carriageway route on the south side of Newmarket Road approaching the Lime Tree Road junction.

Eaton/Leopold Road Junction 

• Widening pedestrian crossing on Newmarket Road at its junction with Eaton Road and Leopold Road and removing central islands
• New shared use push button crossing over Eaton Road at its junction with Newmarket Road
• Double yellow lines on the south side of Newmarket Road from the junction of Claremont Road into the junction of Eaton Road (both sides)
• New Beryl bike bay on the south-east corner of the Eaton Road junction with Newmarket Road.

Daniels Road Roundabout 

• New shared pavement and pavement widening on the southwest corner of the roundabout
• Kerb realignment to improve the bus route.

To comment on the proposals:

• Visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/newmarketroad where you can view plans in more detail and complete our online survey to share your thoughts on the proposals.
• Ask for hard copies by calling or emailing us at transportfornorwich@norfolk.gov.uk Large font and other formats are available on request.

All comments must be received by Thursday 1 December 2022.

All responses received will be carefully considered and reported back to the Transport for Norwich (TfN) Advisory Committee early next year to discuss how we should proceed with the project.  The webpage above will be kept up to date with the latest progress and information.