Posted: 4:40 PM, June 24, 2022
Updated: June 24, 2022 at 5:13 PM
More than £ 50 million has been added to the cost of the proposed Norwich Western Link road, which would give it a £ 251 million price tag.
Inflated construction costs, and the need to realign the route due to bats, have increased the cost of the road by 3.9 miles from the previous estimate of £ 198 million, an increase in itself compared to to the original estimate of £ 153 million.
On the route were found Barbastelle bat bedrooms – Credit: C. Packman
However, the Norfolk County Council insists there is still “an overwhelming case” for a scheme that is said to boost the county’s economy, reduce congestion and reduce rat traffic.
But they also admit that if the government decides not to cover most of the cost, they might have to consider whether to disconnect the controversial scheme.
The price increase would mean that the road, which ran from A1067 Fakenham Road to A47 in Honingham, including a viaduct over the River Wensum, would cost about £ 64 million per mile.
The Wensum River Valley near Fakenham Road where it will cross the western NDR link – Credit: Denise Bradley
The Ukrainian war has been partly blamed for rising material costs, so the inflation allocation has been increased from £ 24 million to £ 45 million.
But moving the route due to the presence of barbastelle bats has also added costs, including £ 8.4 million in construction costs and £ 6.8 million to compensate landowners for the land needed for realignment.
Fields near Weston Green. The western link would connect the A1067 Fakenham Road with the A47 – Credit: Denise Bradley
Before the cost increased, the city council had been waiting for the Department of Transportation to confirm that it supported the authority’s business scheme for the road.
The council had asked for 85% of the £ 198 million cost, which would have been £ 169 million.
Now that the price has risen, council leaders expect the government to still cover 85%, which would be £ 213.4 million.
The western link would join the A47 near the junction of Wood Lane and Berry Lane, where new roundabouts and driveways would be built. – Credit: Denise Bradley
This would leave the council, which is due to fill a £ 116m funding gap in 2027, to fill the remaining £ 37.7m.
That is about £ 8 million more than previous estimates.
About £ 29 million of the cost of the town hall is currently expected to be repaid through loans.
Andrew Jamieson, member of the finance cabinet of Norfolk County Council. Image: Norfolk County Council. – Credit: Norfolk County Council
But Andrew Jamieson, a member of the council’s finance cabinet, said the authority remained committed to the path, which the Conservative-controlled council called a key priority in 2016.
He said: “As a member of the finance cabinet, my job is to make sure that a project of this scale still has good value for money.
“And, looking at this from the lens of economic infrastructure, this is a key part of what we firmly believe Norfolk needs to level up and for the people who need it.
“Yes, it will cost a lot more, but with construction costs rising exponentially across the country, it’s no wonder.
“And I was glad to see that it still meets the criteria of high value for money.”
The western link would pass between Weston Longville and Ringland – Credit: Denise Bradley
Jamieson said he was optimistic the government would understand that costs had risen and would agree to cover 85% of the price.
He said borrowing to fill the rest of the gap would have no impact on municipal services.
But he acknowledged that if the government left the council without a considerable gap to cover, councilors could have to consider whether to go ahead.
He acknowledged: “We should look at the scheme very carefully.”
Seven route displacement options were considered, after identifying the impact on bat bedrooms.
The consultation is planned on a route that, according to the council, avoids the direct impact on a dormitory of a maternity camp and has a cushioning distance from the old forests.
Two strategies are currently being considered to reduce the impact on the colony.
The first would be to keep trees on either side of the road and plant new ones in the center of the freeway, which will allow bats to cross at a safe height, the council says.
The second would be to build a so-called ‘bat bridge’, over which bats could climb.
Artistic impression of a viaduct over the Wensum River. Photo: Norfolk County Council – Credit: Norfolk County Council
In the meantime, a longer, wider and more expensive viaduct was considered over the Wensum, but this option has been rejected.
A town hall official said they hoped road works could begin in 2023 and open to the public in late 2026.
Before making a planning decision, further inquiries should be made.
That decision is likely to be called for by Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps, which would trigger months of public investigation.
And all this could add even more millions to the cost of the road.
Road supporters include Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Norwich Airport, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, the New England Local Business Association, the Norfolk University Hospital road transport, the first buses, most county deputies, and various district councils. .
But opponents include Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norfolk Rivers Trust, Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Green and Labor groups in County Hall, the Stop the Wensum Link group and Extinction Rebellion.
Members of Extinction Rebellion staged a silent protest in the Wensum Valley, where the western link would be built – Credit: XR Norwich
The county council cabinet will take into account the latest developments around the road when it meets on Monday 4 July.