The Norwich Western Link (NWL), one of Norfolk's most significant and long-debated road projects, is now expected to begin construction in 2029, according to an update given at the July council meeting.

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport told councillors that officers are working on the assumption that the project will start in 2029, though he acknowledged that a number of issues still need to be resolved before work can begin.

One of the most significant constraints is the presence of barbastelle bats — a protected species — in the area. The Cabinet Member said it is likely the road will be built as a single carriageway as a result, rather than the dual carriageway that had previously been envisaged for the route.

The Norwich Western Link is intended to ease congestion on roads in and around the west of Norwich, a city that has long struggled with traffic bottlenecks. The downgrade to a single carriageway could affect the road's capacity to deliver the traffic relief that residents and businesses in the area have been anticipating.

The update came in response to a question from Cllr Paul Carr, who asked for a progress report and an indicative timetable for the scheme. No further detail was provided on which specific issues remain to be resolved before construction can proceed.