Plans for the £4m renovation of a busy connecting road in and out of the city are receiving positive feedback ahead of an emergency consultation.

A series of works have been proposed by Norfolk County Council for Dereham Road to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians between Longwater Lane and Gurney Road.

Work would see a new bus, taxi and cycle lane leading out of the city on Dereham Road with wider crossings built.

Norwich Evening News: The Dereham Road proposal includes a reduction in the speed limit, a new bus lane, speed humps and restrictions to turning right out of Richmond RoadThe Dereham Road proposal includes a reduction in the speed limit, a new bus lane, speed humps and restrictions to turning right out of Richmond Road (Image: Newsquest)

Part of the order would also see restrictions on turning right out of Richmond Road and the speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

Ahead of an extraordinary meeting of Costessey Town Council on Tuesday, May 23, councillor Gary Blundell said many locals "are in favour of the changes."

"The majority of people are happy for these changes to go ahead," he said.

"There's very little reason to object to most of it as people are in agreement of the speed limit reduction, including speed humps and reducing the issue around drivers turning right out of Richmond Road.

Norwich Evening News: Gary Blundell, Costessey Town Councillor, said the majority of people were happy with the changes taking placeGary Blundell, Costessey Town Councillor, said the majority of people were happy with the changes taking place (Image: Newsquest)

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Initial plans had initially proposed the closure of the Butterfly Way underpass, which runs beneath Dereham Road and connects Costessey to Bowthorpe.

However, the county council revised the proposals to keep the underpass, alongside a new, fully accessible street-level crossing after it was disliked by 63pc of people.

Mr Blundell also noted how the proposed new 24-hour-a-day bus lanes had been opposed, with people concerned it would add to congestion.

Norwich Evening News: The meeting will take place at Costessey Town Council on May 23 from 7.30pmThe meeting will take place at Costessey Town Council on May 23 from 7.30pm (Image: Newsquest)

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Despite more than 55pc of people not liking the bus lane proposal, they remain part of the council's overall scheme.

Mr Blundell added: "People believe it would add very little.

"I think it would be better to have a timed bus lane instead because I don't think people want it to become redundant.

"I also don't see a reason why motorbikes can't be allowed to use the bus lane, like in London."