Works for roundabout to leave Dereham road shut for 72 days

Swanton Road, which links Dereham to Swanton Morley, will be closed for road improvements as well as for work to begin on a roundabout that will serve the development of more than 200 new homes in the area. 

Breckland Council approved the plans in June of this year despite concerns from local groups about the impact of the increased traffic at the level crossing on the outskirts of the market town. 

The road will be closed from October 2. (Image: Google) The road was originally intended to be closed for 15 weeks. However, from October 2, it will be closed for 72 days.

Wayne Smith, who owns QuadraHeat Ltd situated near the A47, is concerned the closure will add to congestion in the town.

He said: "The closure will make it a bit inconvenient as it is heating season after all.

"We know there are other routes to use, but these all are also small country lanes and I suspect this will cause congestion at times in those other routes.

Concerns were raised about the impact of increased traffic at the level crossing. (Image: Google Maps) "I just see it as another not very well published or notified event that will cause chaos through the town, yet again.

"It seems that the powers that be of any department are incapable of communicating with each other."

A Norfolk County Council spokesperson said: "These works are for road improvements and the construction of a new roundabout that forms part of the planning application for new houses in the area. 

"Originally, the duration of the works requested was for 15 weeks, from August to December.

"Following discussions with our partners carrying out the work, Norfolk County Council have managed to reduce the duration significantly to only 72 days.

"We thank people for their patience while this important work is carried out."