Public given further say on Holt Road sustainable travel improvements

Revised plans to improve the A140 Holt Road in Norwich are open for consultation, with the aim of improving sustainable transport routes and facilities in the area.

The project focuses on the section of Holt Road between Amsterdam Way and the roundabout with the Broadland Northway (A1270) and looks to extend one of Norwich's cycle-friendly routes, known as the Yellow Pedalway.

The proposals include better facilities for those walking, wheeling (using wheelchairs or pushchairs) and cycling and increasing the number of bus stops for people using public transport. The plans also propose to improve safety for all road users by reducing vehicle speeds on the route.

Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "This area is a major corridor for all modes of transport and these plans look to improve on and extend the existing yellow pedalway route, while also maintaining current capacity for general traffic and making the area better for people walking, wheeling and using bus services.

"We've shaped the proposals based on public feedback from the first consultation and would like to hear from anyone who lives in or travels by any mode through this part of Norwich to share their views to further inform the final design for the proposed project."

The revised design includes a continuous shared used path on the western side of Holt Road, as well as further improvements to bus stops, crossing facilities and a direct link to the route for local residents via Bush Road.

Councillor Shelagh Gurney, local member for Hellesdon Division, said: "Many local families who live in Hellesdon have spoken to me about accessibility to the Broadland Northway cycle and pedestrian pathways as they wish to use them for leisure purposes particularly at weekends. This new route would allow them to safely access these facilities from Hellesdon and also create a safe cycling and walking route to The Nest football complex."

Councillor Tony Adams, local member for Drayton and Horsford Division, said: "I welcome this extended pedalway as it will provide a safe route for cyclists and encourage more people to take up cycling.

The overall budget is around £1.9m, with funding coming from the Greater Norwich Growth Boards Infrastructure Investment Fund, the Department for Transport's Transforming Cities Fund and Norfolk County Councils Local Transport Plan.

The deadline for comments is Sunday 15 December 2024. All responses will be considered ahead of any proposed advertisement of the formal notices needed to deliver the project.

If approved for construction following the consultation periods, work is planned to start on site in Summer 2025.

To find out more about the revised proposals and take part in the consultation, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/holtroad