Five weeks of total closure at the controversial Heartsease roundabout have left locals feeling increasingly hemmed in and frustrated that they cannot leave their homes.
Since Saturday, all approaches to the roundabout have been closed while the roads are resurfaced as part of the final stage of a £4.4m safety improvement project which began in September.
Plumstead Road, St Williams Way and Heartsease Lane have been shut, joining the existing closures on Harvey Lane and Plumstead Road East, with orange barriers placed near kerbs.
But these barriers are blocking some driveways, with Norfolk County Council apologising in advance about the frustration this would cause - with the work already running a month behind schedule.
Mark, 50, who lives in Plumstead Road East, said the closure cost him £60 when he was unable to get to an early morning pilates appointment which he needs as part of rehabilitation for a recent spinal operation.
"I'm fed up with it," he said.
"Just this morning I sent a second complaint to the council, sending them pictures of the barriers across my driveway which I can't get out from."
County council bosses previously acknowledged it would be "very inconvenient" for those in the 28 homes and 17 businesses affected and asked people to find a "safe, legal alternative" at the times when they cannot drive cars onto their properties.
"I'm not even on the roundabout itself and I'm still being affected by this," added Mark, who did not want to give his last name.
"As well as missing appointments, I'm unable to get out to see my elderly father who has recently been given a shock diagnosis."
A woman who also lives in Plumstead Road East said the works have been a "massive inconvenience" and have stopped her and her family from getting in and out of their home for "a long, long time".
READ MORE: Need for safety changes at roundabout stressed amid 'frustration' with £4.4m revamp
She said: "Because of the barriers, we've not been able to go into the city as much recently.
"It has definitely impacted our ability to get around."
Keith Breeze, 62, said his wife, Sherry, has been forced to park her car at a church around the corner from their home in Heartsease Lane.
"It's not so much a problem for me as I work from home, but my wife works in Dereham so she needs the car daily," he said.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Heartsease roundabout closure
"I'll be glad when this is all over."
The council sent 3,000 letters out to make people in the area aware of the work, but they have been criticised for being unclear.
Michelle Colman, 32, who lives above one of the shops lining the roundabout, said: "I looked outside on Sunday morning to see they had completely blocked our drive and my partner being unable to get in and out of his space, with no warning whatsoever.
"We were told people were sent letters with regular updates on the roadworks, but we didn't receive one.
"Since the roadworks have started it has caused nothing but trouble, but now the whole roundabout closure has started, it's got even worse.
"We asked them politely if they would be able to move the barriers slightly so we could at least access the drive which they told us they would do so, we are still waiting for this to be done."
READ MORE: Drivers face fresh woe as major roundabout revamp falls month behind schedule
As well as the impact on locals, businesses in Plumstead Road are keen to assure people they remain open despite "unclear" signage.
Helen March said: "The mini mart, barbers, Each, Age UK, Richardsons, Cafe 193, Maxi Poli, Archers, amongst others - are all still open and relying on trade to remain that way.
"The residents of Thorpe Hamlet, Plumstead and Heartsease estates do not wish to lose any more of our shops."
The roundabout closure will be in effect until May 18.
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