Bracondale on Norwich's ring road could get new crossing

Norfolk County Council leaders confirmed they have tasked officers with carrying out a feasibility study into the possibility of a new crossing on Bracondale.

The traffic lights at the Bracondale and King Street junction on Norwich's ring road (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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The study has been commissioned because of concerns at the lack of safe places to cross the busy inner ring road in that area.

While there are traffic lights at the King Street junction and an island for pedestrians, that crossing has no signals specifically for those on foot.

The nearest signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Bracondale is a third of a mile away, near Southgate Lane.

Green county councillor Jamie Osborn (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Jamie Osborn, Green county councillor for Mancroft division, said speeding was a problem on the road, with vehicles heading down hill to try to "beat the lights" at the King Street junction.

Mr Osborn said: "Dangerous driving on Bracondale, Ber Street and King Street is putting lives at risk.

"This is made worse by the lack of adequate pedestrian crossings.

"And where crossings do exist, for example at the junction of King Street and Bracondale, they actually make it more dangerous due to the timings of the lights.

"Bracondale is a key road in the city and carries a national cycle route, but currently it is potentially lethal.

"Investing in making it safe for all must be a priority."

Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure (Image: Norfolk County Council)

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Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "I am pleased to confirm we are currently undertaking a feasibility study for the King Street / Bracondale junction, which will include the provision of pedestrian and cycling crossing facilities.

The traffic lights on Bracondale in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"This is a complex study at a key part of the Norfolk network for all modes and as such the study should be completed by early next financial year."