Long-awaited lights lift off at Heacham
THE long wait for traffic lights and improvements to the A149 Norfolk Lavender junction at Heacham has finally come to an end as highways officials were due to have started work on the £600,000 scheme this week.
Over the past two years hundreds of people have campaigned to persuade Norfolk County Council to provide traffic-calming measures at the accident blackspot, which is renowned for crashes as frustrated motorists take chances when pulling into a stream of fast-moving traffic heading along the coast road.
The council has given numerous assurances that every effort would be made to ensure the work is carried out this year, and it now looks as though the scheme will become a reality.
Heacham Parish Council has welcomed the news and is delighted to see its 20-year campaign for improvements finally pay off.
Parish clerk Philippa Sewell told the Lynn News: "We cannot believe it is happening after so many years.
"We could not ask for better, we have got virtually everything on our shopping list. It will be inconvenient for people while the work is being carried out but it will be worth it.
"This is a huge investment for which we are very pleased and hopefully it will make a big difference to residents and visitors to Heacham during the high season.
"With further works planned for next year we are delighted the county council has been looking at the problems we have."
Cllr Andrew Morrison, West Norfolk Council member for Heacham, added: "It is a dangerous road and it is wonderful that the people of Heacham will now see the siege lifted so they can get out on to the road safely.
"It is great news for Heacham and a just reward for all those who have campaigned for so long."
The work is expected to take three months to complete and will see traffic lights fitted to allow vehicles travelling from Lynn Road and Sedgeford Road to join the A149 safely.
The scheme will also include improved crossing facilities for pedestrians and a reduction in the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph, while further improvement work is being planned at the junction with Lamsey Lane next year.
Motorists are being advised that a temporary 30mph speed limit will be in place on the A149 as the work is carried out.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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