Eight-month Norwich Airport link road work set to start

Work on the new Norwich Airport Industrial Estate Link road is due to begin on Monday (July 28).

Construction of the quarter-of-a-mile road, to connect Norwich Airport to the nearby 48-acre industrial estate, had been due to start in April last year.

But Norfolk County Council's plans had to be put on hold because of negotiations to secure the legal transfer of land needed for the road scheme.

The work, which will be done in phases, will deliver a new link by upgrading and widening Liberator Road to enable two-way pedestrian, cycle and bus travel.

General traffic would not be permitted to use the road.

Graham Plant, Conservative-run County Hall's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "This scheme will significantly improve access to the airport, the International Aviation Academy and the industrial estate.

"It will also help people to choose more sustainable modes of transport when they travel to and from the area."

Richard Pace, managing director at Norwich Airport, said: “Strong surface transport links are vital to any airport and we welcome the start of this important infrastructure project.

"It will enhance connectivity by public transport, on foot and by bike, not just for the airport but also local businesses and the wider community."

Steve Morphew, Labour county councillor for Catton Grove, said the new link could help boost the nearby Aviation Academy.

He said: "Norwich could become an epicentre of next generation, clean aviation.

"We have the opportunity to turn the Aviation Academy from loss making into a beacon for kicking off the careers of young people in an exciting emerging industry.

"The new road will improve access and is the kind of confidence boost we need. It should attract interest from other investors, whether in aviation related businesses or wanting to take advantage of becoming part of a beautiful ambitious city.’

The road is due to cost £925,000, with the money coming from the £32m Transforming Cities fund awarded by the Department for Transport.

The county council says there will be "minimal impact" on traffic during the work.

It comes as work continues on the nearby A140, where a new cycle and pedestrian route is being created to connect the city centre to Horsford and Horsham St Faith.