The Long Stratton bypass is underway

South Norfolk Council and Long Stratton residents have campaigned and lobbied government for a bypass for decades and now, at last, the scheme that will cut congestion and support the local economy for many years to come is becoming a reality.

The A140 through Long Stratton has been a pinch point that affects thousands of road users, especially the people who live and work in the town. The bypass will cut congestion and vastly improve the links between Norwich and Ipswich.

The bypass is also set to create hundreds of new jobs and homes, open up improvements for cycling and walking, and solve the traffic and transport issues local people have been facing for more than a generation.

Cllr Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council 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. The Council has prioritised delivering essential infrastructure alongside housing growth and this generational achievement which will bring far reaching benefits to Long Stratton and the surrounding area. I look forward to seeing it finally become a reality."

South Norfolk Council has worked hand in hand with Norfolk County Council and with Norfolk Homes Ltd and Norfolk Land Ltd to bring forward a scheme which will deliver 1,800 much needed homes and new employment opportunities. This collaborative approach has resulted in a significant funding commitment from government which will enable the road to be delivered alongside the housing development, rather than having to wait years for it to be built.

The current estimated overall cost of the bypass is approx. £46.9m with funding primarily sourced from central government, a £14.5m commitment from the Greater Norwich Growth Board, local developer contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The major earthworks programme along the 3.9km route 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.

The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.