Drayton

The construction of an ‘access for all’ ramp, to replace the current ramp off Taverham Road, will start on 1 November 2021 and is expected to take nine weeks to complete, weather permitting.

The scheme will create all-year-round, accessible access to this off-road route for people using the path on foot, in a wheelchair, on a bicycle or on horse-back.

Due to the nature of the work and to ensure safety for path users, the Marriott’s Way will need to be closed to the public between Taverham Road and Fakenham Road while the work is underway.

One lane of Taverham Road and Fakenham Road will also need to be closed while work is underway, with two-way temporary traffic lights on both the Taverham and Fakenham Roads, a 20mph speed limit will be in place to help vehicles move safely past the works. Temporary relocation of affected bus stops will also be required.

The pedestrian pavements on one side of the road at each end of the Marriott’s Way, at Taverham Road and Fakenham Road, will be temporarily closed, pedestrians will be able to use pavements on the other side of the road which will remain available throughout. On Fakenham Road there will be two sets of temporary pedestrian crossing signals in place.

It will not be possible to join this stretch of the Marriott’s Way from any of the adjoining access points or public rights of way for the duration of the works. A diversion route will be in place for the duration of the works.

Ecological enhancements to encourage more wildlife and biodiversity will be put in place with grass seed and meadow mix planted on the new ramp earthworks, NCC ecologists will look for suitable places to put bird and bat boxes and native hardwood trees will be planted to replace large sycamore tree that requires felling in order to construct the ramp.

New heritage features will include a heritage railway gate and trellis fencing at the path entrance to Marriott’s Way off Taverham Road.

The County Council thanks people for their patience while this access improvement work is carried out.

This project is funded by the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund. The works which are expected to cost approximately £270,000 will be carried out by Norfolk County Council’s Community and Environmental Services Department and their contractors.

Please note the Drayton works also coincide with resurfacing works programmed along the Marriott’s Way along the Costessey Lane to Gunton Lane section of the trail.  Resurfacing works will start on this section from 18 October for 9 weeks.  Further details regarding these works can be viewed in Public Information Notice ref; Ref: HN/12/82/PFA053 released 01 October 2021.  The diversion map for this scheme has been provided below – see Image B.  The Drayton ramp diversion will link to the Costessey diversion.