Delivery of Long Stratton Bypass is on track

Senior council leaders and delivery partners visited the site at Long Stratton last week to view progress on construction of the new road first-hand.

Preliminary works have been underway since the start of this year, with the main construction commencing in late May, following the final approval of the council's full business case from government.

Octavius Infrastructure who are delivering the work on behalf of Norfolk County Council talked guests through the steps required to deliver the overall project before showing them the activities currently taking place on the ground, which involve the compacting of earth along the full 2.4 mile route.

Cllr Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council and member of the Greater Norwich Growth Board said, "Its fantastic to see the progress being made to make this new road a reality, which will make a real difference for long-suffering commuters and residents in Long Stratton, whilst providing an economic boost to our whole region.

"The bypass is set to create hundreds of new jobs and homes in addition to solving local transport issues and is a great example of how neighbouring authorities can join together for the collective benefit of residents and this is something we will continue to fight for to get the best infrastructure for Norfolk."

Gavin Pritchard, Managing Director for Highways at Octavius Infrastructure, said, "Our works are progressing at pace and today's visit gave us the opportunity to show all those involved the scale of construction and what to expect in the weeks and months ahead.

"Our major earthworks programme will continue throughout this year before constructing the overpasses and three roundabouts from early 2025 to begin linking the new road back into local routes and the existing A140.

"We will continue to work closely with our key stakeholders and the local community to keep disruption to a minimum whilst we deliver lasting benefits to the travelling public." 

County Councillor for Long Stratton, Cllr Alison Thomas said, "Having campaigned for a bypass for Long Stratton since 1996 I am delighted to see the main works are progressing well. Our role now will be to ensure the project is delivered as soon as possible to improve the safety and well-being of all those living, working or travelling through Long Stratton."

Cllr Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council and member of the Greater Norwich Growth Board said: "I am absolutely thrilled on behalf of South Norfolk residents and the whole of Norfolk that the long awaited bypass is now fully underway. This is a generational achievement which will bring far reaching benefits and I look forward to seeing it become a reality".

The current estimated overall cost of the bypass is approx. £46.9m with funding primarily sourced from The Department for Transport, a £14.5m commitment from the Greater Norwich Growth Board, plus local developer contributions.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said, "The A140 Bypass in Long Stratton is a vital project for the local community, shaving time off journeys and providing an economic boost to the whole region."

"This Government is committed to modernising our transport infrastructure and maintaining and renewing our road network, so we can connect more communities."

The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

Anyone with any queries or concerns during the construction can email Long.Stratton@octavius.co.uk or call 01737 944 831.