Worries about the impact of roadworks in Thorpe St Andrew have been raised ahead of 82 days of disruption and a five-mile diversion.
A temporary traffic order will affect Plumstead Road East from its junction with South Hill Road for 250m westwards and South Hill Road from its junction with Plumstead Road East for 10m southwards due to essential drainage works.
Apart from access, 24-hour road closures will be in place between Sunday, January 8 and March 31.
For the Plumstead Road East works, the proposed five-mile alternate route will take drivers via Woodside Road, Salhouse Road, the NDR, Thorpe End Drive and Plumstead Road back to Plumstead Road East.
Those who would usually use South Hill Road are being asked to use Spinney Road, Thunder Lane and an unaffected section of Plumstead Road East.
Broadland district councillor Ian Mackie said that the works will have a noticeable impact.
"I hope the works are completed as soon as possible," he said.
"There will be an impact on some smaller roads and we will have to monitor the impact very closely.
"People underestimate just how busy roads like Plumstead Road East are now with the new developments coming off of the NDR at Thorpe End.
"This is part of a significant programme of improvements.
"We thank the people of Thorpe St Andrew in advance for their patience while essential work is completed."
Paul Oxborrow lives in Plumstead Road East and runs Thorpe Plant Centre, which is opposite the South Hill Road junction.
He said that the scheme could impact the centre into the warmer spring months when business typically booms.
"March is a good month for us. It could have less impact in January and February - but cash flow in quieter times is really important," he explained.
"It could be an extra blow on what already are tougher months.
"We'll have to wait and see.
"We may have to be more resourceful like in the pandemic and do deliveries to shoulder the burden of battling road works to get to us.
"The works need to be done. But with the cost of living crisis impacting businesses like ours on its own it's not a good time.
"We're prepared for a tougher year. We'll be open as normal as much as possible."
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