Improved journeys into Norwich as new bus and cycle lane opens
It's been finished ahead of schedule
Last updated 24th Jun 2021
Journeys for those travelling into Norwich by bike and public transport have become easier this week following the official opening of a new bus and cycle lane on Thorpe Road.
Works originally due to last until early July have been completed ahead of schedule and the new contraflow bus and cycle lane between Carrow Road and Clarence Road is now fully operational.
Councillor Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport and chair of the Transforming Cities Joint Committee said:
"I'm delighted to see works completed ahead of schedule on this key route which will improve journey times to the rail station and city centre for those travelling by bike and public transport.
"I would like to thank the public for their patience whilst the final stages of this work were carried out and look forward to seeing further benefits for all users of the transport network delivered in the coming months as we move forward with our Transforming Cities programme."
Paul Martin, Commercial Manager at First Eastern Counties said:
"The completion of the bus priority scheme at Thorpe Road, is the first of many Transforming Cities schemes that will help deliver a step change in the public transport provision across the city. We started using the Thorpe Road bus lane, shortly after 11.00 on the 22nd June, and it is already providing passengers with quicker journeys into the city."
The project which also includes new pavements and crossing points for those travelling on foot cost £941,000 to deliver was funded through the £32 million awarded from the Department for Transport's Transforming Cities Fund.
Improvements to Marriotts Way and Tombland have already been delivered through this funding, with enhancements to walking and cycling currently underway on King Street.
Future projects already approved include a new bus and cycle lane on Cromer Road/Aylsham Road, improvements to the Norwich rail station area, Grapes Hill roundabout, a major revamp of St Stephens
Street and improvements to bus journeys along South Park Avenue.