Delays are highly likely on a major bypass as a £660,000 scheme to improve safety conditions begins later this month.

The A149 Caister Bypass will see more than a month of speed restrictions and lane closures to allow teams to install crash barriers along the accident blackspot. 

It comes after a 2020 investigation report that identified 12 personal injury incidents on the dual carriageway in the previous six-year period.

Norfolk County Council said this was "higher than expected".

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Caister bypass has seen a higher than expected accident rate in recent yearsCaister bypass has seen a higher than expected accident rate in recent years (Image: Newsquest)

The report also found that a third of the accidents involved a vehicle crossing the central reserve.

Penny Carpenter, county councillor for Caister and mayor of Great Yarmouth, said: "It's very welcome news that work on this vital safety scheme is getting under way.

"I've been keen to see this improvement which will help address the poor safety record on this busy section of road, and I know local people will be supportive of this much-needed scheme.

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"I'd ask for road users to be patient while the team is working to install the safety barriers over the coming weeks."

Officials say delays are likely as the scheme, which will cost around £660,000, starts on November 13. 

As well as a mandatory 40mph speed limit, there will be lane closures as VRS (Vehicle Restraint System) crash barriers are installed.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Penny Carpenter, Caister councillor and mayor of Great Yarmouth, said news of the scheme beginning was very welcomePenny Carpenter, Caister councillor and mayor of Great Yarmouth, said news of the scheme beginning was very welcome (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council)

Work is expected to be completed before Christmas but delays may occur.

Diversion routes will be via Yarmouth Road and Norwich Road. 

Graham Plant, county council cabinet member for transport, said: "Councillor Penny Carpenter had concerns regarding the safety aspects of this dual carriageway in Caister and the highways team worked quickly to find the funding needed for the project. 

"To then arrange for the barriers to start installation before Christmas is commendable."