Road improvements in Broads country park
The final stage in the 20 year creation of Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse, is currently being carried out with the upgrading of the single track, potholed lane which runs through the park.
Whitlingham Lane is being widened and resurfaced which will be safer for cyclists. In the spirit of recycling the old surface is being removed, treated and re-laid over a stabilised foundation layer. The lane will then become a clearway, prohibiting roadside parking, with a 20mph speed restriction and speed bumps.
Spoil from drainage ditches will be used to create raised verges which will be seeded with grasses and wild flowering plants as a habitat for insects.
A fourth pay and display car park will be created in the former quarrying area close to the visitor centre and the Great Broad. All car park income helps maintain the park. An annual parking permit is currently available for regular visitors for £25.
The work is being carried out by Lafarge Aggregates who have created the country park with its two lakes, woodland and meadows, from gravel and sand extraction. It is expected that the road will be reopened by Christmas.
David Adler, chairman of the Whitlingham Country Park Charitable Trust which manages the park with the Broads Authority, said: “We are thrilled that the lane is finally being improved, marking the completion of this stunning amenity. Lafarge and the Trust are rightly proud of this beautiful creation which has become a favourite country haunt for local residents and visitors to the Broads. We hope it will continue to provide opportunities for generations of visitors to enjoy the natural world right on the doorstep of the city of Norwich.”
Whitlingham Country Park is part of the Wherryman’s Way, a 35 mile riverside walk from Norwich to Great Yarmouth, and is part of Sustrans national cycle network.
10/11/10
