Work on Norwich Northern Distributor Road will be underway before Christmas after the final seal ofapproval was received today (Weds) by Norfolk County Council.
Development Consent was granted in June (2015), but the plans also required Full Approval from the Government because of the amount of national funding going into the project. That was announced today as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, and the Council has now received a letter of confirmation, including the release of £77.49m over three years (See Notes for Editors).
Preliminary work will now start as soon as possible, including site clearance, archaeology and utility service diversions. Main construction will begin in the New Year (2016), probably around March. The main contractor is Balfour Beatty Civils (formerly Birse Civils)
The 20km dual carriageway, running from the A47 at Postwick, east of Norwich, to the A1067 north of Taverham, will take thousands of vehicles a day off congested and unsuitable roads, bringing relief to local communities and allowing a range of further ‘Transport for Norwich’ schemes in and around the city. It will open up access to much of Broadland and North Norfolk and to Norwich International Airport. As well as providing a high quality link around the north and east of Norwich, it will improve access to existing and planned business and housing developments and give a £1billion boost to the local economy.
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “The building of the NDR is a clear signal that Norfolk is ready to embrace growth and development in order to create the jobs and houses we need. Norwich continues to punch above its weight as a dynamic business location and this piece of the jigsaw is very welcome to enable us to move forward even faster.”
Cllr George Nobbs, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This is a memorable day for Norfolk and Norwich. This announcement from the Government is confirmation that over £100m* in national funding will be coming to Norfolk for Norwich Northern Distributor Road. The road is essential infrastructure for the future wellbeing of the city and county, supporting economic growth and new jobs, and making journeys quicker and easier for thousands of people every day.
“I am grateful for the support of other authorities in Norfolk, especially Norwich City, Broadland and South Norfolk, and for the way in which the Secretary of State and New Anglia LEP responded to our requests for additional support**.
“The funding package is now firmly in place. This means that we are on course for site clearance work to start in the next few weeks, with main construction beginning around the end of March next year. This work will include environmental and wildlife protection measures that set new standards nationally – I am looking forward to planting the first of the 30,000 trees that will be going in along the route.
“We know that Norfolk needs better infrastructure, and there is almost £106.5m* of national funding on the table to pay for this road. We should now be working together to make the most of the opportunities the NDR will give us, and to press for further national investment in our roads and railways – particularly the A47 and Great Yarmouth’s third river crossing, and the Norwich to London main rail line.”
Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia LEP said: “This road will deliver more than £1bn in economic benefit for Norwich and the wider economy. It is critical in delivering thousands of jobs, new homes and driving the economic growth we need across Norfolk and Suffolk. Today’s announcement brings us closer to those goals.”
Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader, Broadland District Council, said: “This is fantastic news and after many years work and consultation we now have the certainty we have been waiting for. The whole of the NDR route is in Broadland and it is extremely important in fulfilling our ambition for more jobs, more homes and more opportunities for everyone in the district.
“Alongside the major economic advantages to business growth, our support for the road has always been in the belief that it would bring direct benefits to people living in Broadland. There will be faster, more reliable journey times for residents , sites for new homes will become more viable, access will be improved to Broadland Business Park and, ultimately, it will facilitate better public transport that will relieve traffic congestion to the east and north of Norwich.”
Cllr Alan Waters, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Greater Norwich is going from strength to strength but good infrastructure is vital to support it through this growth. Delivery of the NDR will not only relieve stress on suburban roads but also bring forward the development of the homes and employment centres we need to support a growing population in the years to come.
“Additional benefits will be seen in the form of improved road links with an emphasis on public transport, helping to boost the city centre economy and making the area as a whole an enticing prospect for skilled workers. The final piece of funding for the NDR means we’re in the exciting position of being able to realise all these benefits for both the city and county.”
If you have any comments or questions about the NDR or accessibility to Norwich issues, we would like to hear from you. Please email: [email protected]
