Long Stratton Bypass taking shape

A major milestone in the construction of Long Stratton's new bypass was reached this week when a new steel footbridge over the route was lifted into position.

Fabricated in Kent, the 42 metre long steel span was delivered to site in two sections earlier this month before being welded together in preparation for a precision lift of the 90 tonne structure.

A 750 tonne mobile crane was used to lift the span into place on top of the reinforced concrete abutments constructed either side of the new road.

Once complete the footbridge will provide a key local walking and cycling route linking the existing Public Rights of Way between Fairfield Close and Church Lane.

Grahame Bygrave, Director of Highways, Transport and Waste at Norfolk County Council said: "It's fantastic to see the speed at which the new bypass is coming together and this is a really exciting step forward in its construction. The new road will reduce congestion in the town, benefitting local residents and our wider economy for years to come".

Jamie Harrison, Delivery Director Highways at Octavius Infrastructure, who are delivering the bypass on behalf of Norfolk County Council, said: "I am pleased with the dedication of the team in achieving this important lift. It takes a high level of planning and collaboration between the factory and the site team to ensure a perfect fit.

"The project is currently progressing well in all areas and with the warmer weather approaching we remain confident of delivering everything on time. This important milestone in the scheme has only been possible due to the collaboration of our key partners Norfolk County Council and our supply chain partners, working together to deliver this project for the local community."

The new footbridge is expected to come into public use later this summer with the bypass open to traffic by the end of the year.

The new A140 bypass, which is a priority infrastructure project for the county, will be a single carriageway road that will provide a new roundabout junction at Church Lane to the north, extending from this junction on the east side of Long Stratton going south for approximately 2.4 miles, where it will re-join the existing A140 near Oakside farm. 

Work includes two further new roundabouts at Edges Lane and Parkers Lane and a vehicular road bridge over the new bypass on Hall Lane, in addition to the Church Lane footbridge at the northern end of the scheme.

This project is a true collaboration with South Norfolk Council, Norfolk Homes and major funding commitments from both The Department for Transport (£26.2m) and the Greater Norwich Growth Board (£14.5m), plus local developer contributions supporting the £46.9m overall budget.