Sarah HallWork has finally got under way on a �3.3m project to create a new one-way system around one of the main roads in Norwich - and that should lead to relief for the traffic-choked street.Sarah Hall

Work has finally got under way on a �3.3m project to create a new one-way system around one of the main roads in Norwich - and that should lead to relief for the traffic-choked street.

The work in St Augustine's Street had been due to start in October, but was delayed after the councils behind the project were unable to conclude a land swap deal with the developers behind a scheme to redevelop Anglia Square.

But last week, work started on the St Augustine's gyratory scheme, which will make St Augustine's Street to one way northbound, with construction of a new link between Edward Street and Pitt Street providing a southbound route via Magpie Road for traffic heading towards the inner ring road and the city centre.

The air quality in St Augustine's Street has long given council officers caused for concern, with the levels of nitrogen dioxide higher than the national air quality standards.

Because of that, couple with the regeneration of parts of the north of Norwich, council bosses came up with the idea of the St Augustine's gyratory scheme.

The proposals were developed by Norfolk County Council with Norwich City Council and the work is set to last for 10 months, which will create some disruption for drivers, with some traders having previously raised concerns about where their customers will park during the work.

Council bosses said gas main replacement during the work will minimise future disruption, but St Augustine's Street will be closed to traffic for around 15 weeks from June to mid-September.

Other road closures and traffic management measures will be necessary during earlier phases of work, and the councils said those will be publicised nearer the time.

As well as the one-way gyratory system, the project includes:

Wider pavements and a 20mph limit along St Augustine's Street.

Traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings at St Augustine's Gate junction, Pitt Street, Magpie Road/Esdelle Street junction and the new link road.

Closure of Bakers Road to vehicles at its junction with St Augustine's Street.

This week Daniel Cox, leader of the county council and Steve Morphew, leader of the city council, will be visiting the street, representing the Greater Norwich Development Partnership (GNDP).

The GNDP is meeting most of the �3.3m cost of the scheme, using money from the Growth Point schemes.

Mr Morphew said of the scheme: 'The project at St Augustine's is a brilliant example of how councils can work together to enable immediate improvements to improve quality of life for people and enable future redevelopment of the city.

'It will tackle traffic congestion, road safety and air quality in the short term and in the longer term it will enable the regeneration of Anglia Square, with new homes and jobs created.'

What do you think of the move to make St Augustine's one-way? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk