Study will look at King’s Lynn’s transport problems

London Road in King's Lynn, seen from the roof of the South Gate in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

It will look at problems and issues in the town, both current and future, and draw up plans for tackling them.

'The study is intended to unlock the significant potential of king's Lynn by identifying transport barriers to growth and economic development,' says a briefing note sent to councillors by Norfolk County Council.

Last summer West Norfolk council unveiled a blueprint for revitalising parts of Lynn's waterfront including Boal Quay, the Nar Loop and the former grain silo site.

A development plan includes new residential streets on Boal Quay, with hundreds of homes overlooking the river.

Light trails created by traffic heading out of King's Lynn via the South Gate. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Architects Levitate, who drew up the waterfront proposals, also suggested opening up Harding's Way to traffic, to reduce congestion on Lynn's London Road.

The route is currently restricted to buses and cyclists, and 70pc of those taking part in a public consultation wanted it to stay that way.

But West Norfolk council plans to open up part of it to access three areas of potential development land near the South Gate roundabout.

There are also plans to revamp areas around the so-called gyratory (one way) system in the town centre, which includes the busy Railway Road, Norfolk Street and Blackfriars Road.

The county council briefing note says that traffic surveys will be carried out in the town in March and April.

An 'audit' of provision for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users will also be carried out, along with a review of how routes are signposted in and around the town centre.

There will also be workshops with members of 'stakeholder organisations' to discuss traffic issues.

The briefing note adds: 'All pertinent information and data on current transport provision will be reviewed and recent trends in the study area that have a bearing on transport and travel matters.

'A firm evidence base to support the development of improvement options will be set out.'

The final strategy will be published towards the end of the year, when West Norfolk councillors will vote on whether to adopt it.