South Norfolk Council marks major milestone as Long Stratton Bypass nears completion

For years, the A140 through Long Stratton has been a notorious bottleneck, causing daily disruption, poor air quality and noise pollution for thousands of drivers and the local community. Now, the new bypass is already transforming life in the village, easing congestion and improving environmental conditions.

Leader of South Norfolk Council, Councillor Daniel Elmer, said:

For decades we have campaigned alongside local residents for the bypass and we’re delighted to see it nearing completion.

The opening of the new road has been transformational for Long Stratton and its residents, it has already eased congestion, improved air quality and had a huge impact on the town."

Norfolk County Councillor for Long Stratton, Councillor Alison Thomas, added:

“The people of Long Stratton have waited a long time for this moment and many are delighted to finally see the bypass delivered. It’s already making a noticeable difference to daily life, reducing traffic, improving air quality, and creating a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone who lives and works here.

“Over the coming weeks, there will be some disruption due to the temporary closure north of the village, between St Michael’s Road and the roundabout. During this time, we’re asking residents to use Parker’s Roundabout to enter and exit the village. This short-term inconvenience is a small price to pay for a project that will bring such long-term benefits to our community.”

The single carriageway bypass stretches approximately 3.9km, beginning at a new junction at Church Lane to the north and rejoining the A140 near Oakside Farm to the south. It supports the delivery of hundreds of new homes and jobs, enhances walking and cycling infrastructure and strengthens transport links between Norwich and Ipswich.

South Norfolk Council’s Long Stratton Area Action Plan, adopted in 2016, allocated a 140-hectare site for housing, employment, a primary school, open space, and the bypass. In 2018, Norfolk Homes Ltd and Norfolk Land Ltd submitted applications detailing 1,875 homes, 12.5 hectares of employment land, two primary school sites, community facilities and the bypass. The £46.9 million scheme is funded through a combination of central government support, the Greater Norwich Growth Board, developer contributions, and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The Department for Transport committed £26.2 million in July 2021 following approval of the Council’s Outline Business Case. South Norfolk Council remains committed to working with partners and the community to ensure the successful delivery of the bypass and the wider development plans for Long Stratton. The official completion and opening of the bypass will be celebrated in October.