The next phase of a major improvement scheme to a key city corridor will begin in January with further closures and restrictions.

Work began as part of the Transforming Cities Fund along the Dereham Road corridor in September to provide "shorter and more consistent" journey times for buses with a series of highway changes and safety improvements. 

The scheme's second phase which is currently under way is expected to be completed by the end of the year and the third phase will begin on January 2.

Eastern Daily Press: A scheme to improve conditions in Dereham Road will move into third phase in JanuaryA scheme to improve conditions in Dereham Road will move into third phase in January (Image: Denise Bradley)

There will be a complete lane closure on the eastbound carriageway of Dereham Road from the Dereham Road roundabout to Gurney Road until July 26 which is "likely" to cause delays. 

READ MORE: Roadworks on edge of the city branded 'a waste of time and money'

Further closures will affect Three Mile Lane where cycle lane and footpath reconstruction work will take place until March 22 and April 8.

Eastern Daily Press: Work on Dereham Road began in September following a public consultation phaseWork on Dereham Road began in September following a public consultation phase (Image: Newsquest)

Breckland Road will also be closed from March 8 to April 26 as part of the work.

The Dereham Road improvement scheme is being carried out with £32m of funding from the Department for Transport which aims to improve access to jobs, training and retail with sustainable modes of transport and travel hub changes. 

Work to improve walking and cycling facilities in Mayfly Way to the south and around the Dereham Road junction with Richmond Road is already under way but some have objected to the scheme which has been called "dangerous" and "a waste of time and money".