Dutch-style roundabout revamp in Norwich given the green light

The Woodcock Road and Catton Grove Road roundabout, which may be turned into a 'Dutch style ' roundabout as part of the council's Push The Pedalways plans. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Norwich City Council's highways agency committee yesterday agreed to the proposed changes at Catton Grove Road/Woodcock Road.

It will see zebra crossings for cyclists and pedestrians installed at all four approaches to the roundabout.

The middle of the roundabout would be made smaller and footpaths around the roundabout would be widened so they could be used by pedestrians and cyclists, with council officers worried seven people on bicycles have been hurt in crashes at the location over the past five years.

Council officers had hoped to introduce a roundabout with fully segregated cycle lanes around it, but that Dutch-style roundabout was not possible, as land belonging to nearby homes would have had to be bought.

So, a variation in the design, with the shared footpaths/cycleways and shared zebra crossings – on raised tables – was put forward instead.

The proposal would also see speed cushions in part of Catton Grove Road and extensions of 20mph speed limits along that road, between Lilburn Avenue and Angel Road.

The changes have already been out for public consultation, with only eight responses. Four agreed, two objected and two made comments not directly relating to the proposals.

The Norwich Cycling Campaign raised concerns, including that making the middle of the roundabout smaller would encourage traffic to go faster and the shared footpaths/cycleways create a new danger for cyclists when they rejoin the road just past the roundabout.

What do you think of the scheme? Write, giving full contact details, to Letters Editor, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk