Have your say on road safety plans for Heartsease roundabout, Norwich

Residents have been invited to have their say on a series of measures to improve safety at a Norwich roundabout.

Norfolk County Council and the Transport for Norwich (TfN) partnership are asking for feedback on plans for the Heartsease roundabout in the east of the city.

The aim is to improve crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and safety for all road users by reducing vehicle speeds and removing confusion, hesitation and conflict on this key junction of the outer ring road.

Existing cycle routes nearby would also be improved to encourage the use of quieter residential streets as alternative cycle routes to avoid the junction entirely.

Key features of the plan include:

• Road layout on both roundabout and approaches to become single lane but also safely accommodating HGVs
• New parallel zebra crossings on all 'arms' of the roundabout, including one to replace an existing signal crossing on the northern end of Harvey Lane, enabling safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists
• New 3m wide shared-use paths around all arms of the roundabout (subject to land availability, where applicable).
• Improved footway on St Williams Way and where shared-use paths join existing footway
• New segregated cycle path connecting to existing cycle lanes on St Williams Way
• New cycle facilities to connect with carriageway on Heartsease Lane
• Double yellow lines on sections of the south side of St Williams Way and along the north side of Plumstead Road East

Improvements 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:

"This is a busy roundabout, and we need to look at various measures improving safety for all road users. A vital part of that process is to consult local people and those who use this roundabout to ensure they have a say on taking these proposals forward."

Councillor Alison Birmingham, who represents the Crome division, said:

"I am pleased that safety is at the heart of the improvements and know that local residents will be pleased with the resulting safety aspects of the plan. I would urge them to take part in the consultation, so all voices can be heard and promise that their responses will be given due consideration."

Councillor John Fisher, who represents the Woodside division, said:

"Having lived in Thorpe Hamlet before moving to Thorpe St Andrew, I am very familiar with this junction and welcome these proposals for consultation. Local residents need a safe an easy way to cross these busy roads."

To comment on the proposals:

• Visit the Heartsease Roundabout webpage 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 Tuesday 3 January.

Please note that letters sent to the local community stated a deadline of Sunday 18 December but due to the recent postal strikes this has been extended into the New Year.

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.