Major traffic light and road surface upgrade Boundary Junction, Norwich

13 July 2023

Need for scheme

The replacement of the traffic signals equipment is urgent to ensure the future reliability of the junction as regular faults are now occurring. Replacing the traffic signals as planned works will result in some short-term disruption but will ensure long term reliability for many years. This work is part of a wider and ongoing upgrade programme across the county.

What we’re doing

Major scheme to replace of all the traffic lights (for vehicles, cycles and pedestrians) at the Boundary junction, essential road resurfacing of the ring road at Boundary junction and replacement of the traffic lights between Reepham Road and Cromer Road.

The work at the ring road junction includes significant but necessary improvements to the infrastructure including installation of 650m of underground ducting, 14 underground inspection chambers and 16 bespoke fixings for the new traffic signal poles. In total, 41 new traffic signal poles will be installed and the new LED traffic lights will cut power consumption and remove the need for regular maintenance that the old style lights need.

The replacement of the traffic lights between Reepham Road and Cromer Road is being done while the Boundary junction work is underway – as doing this work slightly sooner than planned, will cut future disruption.

The ring road will be resurfaced over a distance of 600m (9400m2).

Timing

We’re carefully considering how best to deliver these essential works while minimising disruption at this very busy junction.

Works are planned to start in July 2023 and are expected to take 8 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

This work has been scheduled to be carried out when no other planned works will be taking place on official diversion routes and surrounding local roads.

How are we minimising disruption?

The highways works contractor has considered the most efficient way to deliver the works, so that the construction programme can be as short as possible.

The ring road (Boundary Road/Mile Cross Lane) will remain open throughout the majority of the works.

The A140 (Aylsham Road/Cromer Road), and Reepham Road, will be closed at the Boundary junction for a number of weeks.

Fully signed official diversion routes will be in place as necessary.

The essential resurfacing work (which requires road closures) will be carried out at night. Undertaking surfacing work at night greatly reduces the impact on road users, given daytime traffic levels on the ring road.

Will there be road or lane closures?

The work is being carried out in phases – details below:

Phase 1 – Works to north and south of the junction

10 Jul – 31 Aug Full closure of Aylsham Road at Boundary Road/Mile Cross Lane, diversion via Mile Cross Road/Drayton Road/Boundary Road
10 Jul – 31 Aug Full closure of Cromer Road at Boundary Road/Mile Cross Lane, diversion via Holt Road/Broadland Northway/Wroxham Road
10 Jul – 31 Aug Inbound closure of Reepham Road at Cromer Road, diversion via Reepham Road/Middleton’s Lane/Cromer Road
10 Jul – 31 Aug Closure of Mile Cross Lane right turn, diversion via Boundary Road, Sweet Briar Road, Dereham Road/Sweet Briar Road roundabout, Sweet Briar Road, Boundary Road and Reepham Road

Phase 2 – Works on centre islands

25 Jul – 31 Aug 2-way temporary signals on Boundary Road/Mile Cross Lane will be required at times, but removed whenever possible

Phase 3 – Works on Boundary Road left turn, Traffic Signals installation and carriageway resurfacing (nights)

10 Aug – 29 Aug two-way temporary signals on Boundary Road/Mile Cross Lane for night-time carriageway resurfacing
7 Aug – 11 Aug Closure of Boundary Road left turn into Reepham Road, diversion via Mile Cross Lane/Wroxham Road/Broadland Northway
10 Aug – 18 Aug Closure of Vera Road, diversion via Boundary Road/Reepham Road/Merchant Way/Vera Road for carriageway resurfacing
15 Aug – 20 Aug Night-time closure of Boundary Road left turn into Reepham Road, diversion via Mile Cross Lane/Wroxham Road/Broadland Northway for carriageway resurfacing

Phase 4 – Traffic Signals installation completion and testing

31 Jul – 31 Aug Completion of traffic signals installation and testing

As with all schemes such as this we will continue to monitor the lights once the work is complete and road fully open. Adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure the new lights are working as intended and traffic is flowing as smoothly as possible.

How are we making people aware of the work?

Advance warning of these major works will be communicated to the public and businesses and additional electronic Variable Message Signs will be used to enhance awareness of the works.

How much will this cost?

£300,000 Traffic signals replacement

£500,000 Carriageway resurfacing

Source: Norfolk County Council