Public to get say on 'crazy' roadwork plan

On Thursday, councillors on the joint Transforming Cities committee, made up of county, city and district councillors, agreed to send plans for the Boundary Road area of Norwich to public consultation.

Ahead of the meeting, Labour councillor Chrissie Rumsby and Conservative Shelagh Gurney came out against the removal of a pelican crossing on Boundary Avenue being included in the plans.

The councillors said the removal would have a negative impact on elderly and limited mobility residents, forcing them to walk to the B&Q crossing.

Council officer, Jeremy Wiggin told committee members they were aware of the councillors' concerns and said they will be considered in the consultation.

Labour councillor, Ian Stutely, called for an alternative option to be included in the consultation.

Mr Stutely argued it seemed more logical to route the scheme across the existing crossing near Vera Road, widening it and making provision for cyclists there.

Ian Stutely, Labour city councillor for Town Close. Pic: Labour Party. (Image: Labour Party)

Mr Wiggin said officers had considered this but said they did not believe it to be "as good an option".

Councillor unanimously agreed to send the proposals to public consultation including an alternative option.

The cost of the project is expected to be £438,063, which includes a maintenance contribution for carriageway surfacing works of £98,063 and £40,000 for signalling upgrades.

The current plans are:

• New shared-use path connecting the B&Q junction to Overbury Road

• A path on the south side of Boundary Road will be extended to join with Marshall Road

• Crossing near B&Q will become two-stage right-turning lanes from the store will be reduced to one

• Waiting restrictions on the layby outside Marshall Road will allow residents to park to avoid parking on verges

• Cycle route signage will be provided to enhance the visibility of the route