People power has won after an underpass under threat of being filled in as part of a £6.2m road upgrade was saved following widespread support.

Original plans for Dereham Road on the edge of Norwich proposed by Norfolk County Council suggested the Butterfly Way underpass would shut.

Norwich Evening News: The underpass beneath Dereham Road in Norwich which could have been filled in under Norfolk County Council plans, but the proposals have since been revised to keep the subwayThe underpass beneath Dereham Road in Norwich which could have been filled in under Norfolk County Council plans, but the proposals have since been revised to keep the subway (Image: Nicol Nicholls)

But after a public consultation, which attracted 423 responses, the proposal has been altered meaning the underpass will remain, alongside a new fully accessible street-level crossing.

The recommendations will be discussed by the Transport for Norwich Advisory committee on Thursday, January 26 and include improvements to the subway’s lighting and drainage as well as opportunities to improve its overall look.

The new plans also include a smaller travel hub off Bowthorpe Roundabout and a number of existing bus stops and laybys along Dereham Road will be kept in their current locations.

Norwich Evening News: The Bowthorpe Roundabout in Dereham Road, Norwich, where a travel hub could be built under new £6.2m plans from Norfolk County CouncilThe Bowthorpe Roundabout in Dereham Road, Norwich, where a travel hub could be built under new £6.2m plans from Norfolk County Council (Image: Paul Hewitt)

Sharon Blundell, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Costessey, said: “I am pleased the voice of Costessey people and myself have been listened to.

"I appreciate that not all feedback that was given could be achieved on this project.

"I hope Costessey can see that contributing to a consultation is in their interest as without their feedback changes may not have happened.

"I understand people will not be happy with all changes but we have to compromise.

"It is appreciated to see money finally being spent in Costessey.”

Norwich Evening News: Sharon Blundell, who represents Costessey and the Liberal Democrats on Norfolk County CouncilSharon Blundell, who represents Costessey and the Liberal Democrats on Norfolk County Council (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Other aspects of the upgrade include reducing the speed limit to 30mph along Dereham Road between Longwater Lane and Norwich Road, new sections of inbound and outbound bus lanes to provide shorter and more consistent journey times to and from the city centre and Norwich Rail Station, extensive pavement widening.

Graham Plant, Conservative cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: "The local support for keeping the underpass open is clear. The consultation showed us people would like to have the choice of how they get across the road.

"Dereham Road is a key transport corridor linking existing and future housing, employment and schools with the city centre.

“The scheme will deliver the benefits we promised, providing shorter and more consistent journey times for buses while creating a safer environment for those walking or cycling.”