From next Monday, 9 May, drivers using the A1067 Fakenham Road through the Norwich Northern Distributor Road site may encounter temporary traffic lights from as early as 7.15am. The purpose of this trial is to extend the working day, accelerating progress on this section of the NDR.
Currently, temporary traffic lights on the A1067 are only used (when required) from 9.30am, after the morning peak. However, observation of morning traffic flows suggests that it may be possible to use manually controlled traffic lights without seriously holding up the flow of city-bound traffic.
If the trial is a success, this will add more than two hours to working days when these temporary lights are needed. A similar trial will then be carried out on the A1151 Wroxham Road. As now, the temporary lights will not be used every day, only when neededfor safe working close to the road.
If the early start trial causes significant delays, it will be halted, reverting to the current 9.30am start for temporary signals.
At the Plumstead end of the NDR, informal passing places are to be provided on Smee Lane and Low Road. These are both narrow lanes that will carry extra traffic when Middle Road closes on Monday for construction of the Middle Road Bridge over the NDR.
Close to Horsford, the long-term closure of Drayton Lane has put pressure on Holly Lane, and in particular the junction with Reepham Road. Drivers are advised to avoid this route at peak hours if possible. Signs to this effect will be going up on the approaches, and a temporary 30mph speed limit is being considered as a safety measure while the junction is under strain.
In addition, traffic in this area may be affected by non-NDR works. Surface dressing is expected to be carried out on the B1149 Holt Road through Horsford over the next few days (exact timing depends up the weather and progress on other sites), and UK Power Networks will require temporary traffic lights on the B1149 near the Brickmakers pub for ducting works in the verge and pavement.
By this weekend, Marriott’s Way through the site of the bridge over the NDR will be closed, with all users directed on to the short diversion that will remain in place until the bridge opens.
