Almost 50 householders and businesses will have no car access to their properties when Heartsease roundabout completely shuts.

Norfolk County Council bosses acknowledged it will be "very inconvenient" for those living in the 28 homes and 17 businesses which will be affected when the Norwich roundabout is closed next month.

But County Hall officials said the nature of the resurfacing work - which involves building up the road by up to 40cm in some places - meant it was not possible to provide safe ramp access given differing road levels.

Norwich Evening News: Work on the Heartsease roundabout in NorwichWork on the Heartsease roundabout in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The resurfacing work will mean the roundabout will be shut in all directions from Saturday, April 13 until Thursday, April 25, with different properties affected as work progresses through each arm of the roundabout.

Homes and businesses in Heartsease Lane, Plumstead Road, Harvey Lane, St Williams Way and Plumstead Road East will be affected at various times, for between four and eight days.

The council has sent 3,000 letters out to make people in the area aware of the work, which was originally due to be done over the Easter holidays, but was delayed.

Officers have asked families and businesses to find a "safe, legal alternative" at the times when they cannot drive cars onto their properties.

READ MORE: Norfolk council spends £100k on Heartsease roundabout wall

David Allfrey, interim director of highways, transport and waste at Norfolk County Council, said: "A full closure of the roundabout is essential for the remaining construction and resurfacing work to take place as quickly and safely as possible.

"During the closure, we're asking people to plan their journeys accordingly and find alternative routes to help reduce congestion.

"We apologise for any disruption caused and would like to thank everyone affected for their patience during this time, especially those directly impacted within the closure area.

"We look forward to the whole roundabout reopening soon, when all those who use the area will be able to enjoy the significant benefits delivered by this project."

Norwich Evening News: The proposed changes for Heartsease roundaboutThe proposed changes for Heartsease roundabout (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Following the resurfacing work, road marking work is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, April 24, with the council having applied for a permit which would mean work would end by Saturday, May 18.

The council says it hopes the resurfacing work can be done in a shorter time frame than the permit allows, but has factored in extra time in case of delays, such as poor weather. The roundabout will remain shut while the road marking work is done.

After that work on the £4.4m project, which started in September, will come to an end.