Have your say on Norwich's Dereham Road corridor

VIEWS are being sought on major new plans to transform a key transport route in and out of the centre of Norwich.

Norfolk County Council and Transport for Norwich (TfN) partnership are asking for feedback on proposed improvements along the Dereham Road corridor.

The changes, funded by the Department for Transport's Transforming Cities Fund, aim to speed up public transport, improve the route for cyclists and walkers and provide better links between the two communities on either side of the main road, as well as ensuring safer access to schools and other amenities.

Public consultation has already taken place on proposed walking and cycling improvements to Mayfly Way, south of Richmond Road, and the public are now being invited to find out more about the next phase of the project and have their say by the end of November.

Cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport and Chair of the Transport for Norwich Advisory Committee, Councillor Martin Wilby, said: "These proposals set out a blueprint for improving sustainable travel and safety on an important part of our road network and support our long-term plans to address climate change.

"We are keen to hear what local people have to say as their input is vital in taking these proposals forward. Whether they fill out a survey online or attend one of the public consultation events, feedback is invaluable."

The proposals centre on two main sections of Dereham Road; The Longwater Lane scheme (covering Longwater Lane to Grays Fair) and the Dereham Road travel hub; which roughly covers the area from Grays Fair to Gurney Road.

Main features of the schemes include:

• Creation of a new travel hub, connecting bus services with local walking/cycling routes as well as new spaces for community use
• A reduction in speed limit to 30 mph along Dereham Road between Longwater Lane and Norwich Road to create a safer environment for all road users
• Removal of the Butterfly Way pedestrian underpass and creation of a new signalised street level pedestrian and cycle crossing on Dereham Road
• New sections of inbound and outbound bus lanes to provide shorter and more consistent bus journeys to and from the city centre and Norwich Rail Station
• Improved crossing facilities on Dereham Road at the Richmond Road junction
• Dedicated facilities for those walking or cycling, with raised table side road crossings and additional traffic calming measures
• Additional bus stops/shelters and real time passenger information
• Extensive pavement widening and landscaping.

As part of the proposals some trees and vegetation would need to be removed but this would be minimised where possible and plans are in place to ensure the schemes deliver a positive environmental impact.

Go online to www.norfolk.gov.uk/derehamroad to view detailed drawings of both schemes, the proposed changes and a list of frequently asked questions which will be regularly updated as the consultation progresses.

Public consultation events with displays setting out the proposals in detail will also be held on:

• Monday 14 November - The Costessey Centre, Stafford Hall, 2pm-8pm
• Tuesday 15 November - Chapel Break Community Centre, 10am-4pm
• Thursday 17 November - Chapel Break Community Centre, 1pm-7pm.

To comment on the proposals:

• Visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/derehamroad and complete the online survey/s
• Ask for hard copies by calling or emailing us at transportfornorwich@norfolk.gov.uk Large font and other formats are available on request.
• Speak to a member of our team at a consultation event or request a meeting
• All comments must be received by Wednesday 30 November.

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.