The UK government has approved the ‘long-delayed’ A47/A11 Thickthorn junction scheme near Norwich, an investment exceeding £200m ($253.2m).
This significant road development is expected to expedite journey times, alleviate congestion, and save commuters and businesses considerable time each week.
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The eastbound A11 to A47 stretch will see a reduction of three to four minutes in travel time during peak hours.
Similarly, journeys along the A11 road are projected to be two to three minutes shorter in the morning and afternoon peaks.
The upgrade is part of the Greater Norwich City Deal, which is anticipated to attract more businesses to Norwich, create more than 44,000 homes and 33,000 new jobs, and provide 360 additional hectares of commercial land by 2038.
The A47 project had faced delays of over a year due to costly legal challenges, which were ultimately dismissed by the courts.
The government’s approval is part of a broader initiative to advance ‘vital’ transport infrastructure projects, including the A130 Fairglen Interchange, the expansion of Heathrow Airport and the A647 scheme in Leeds.
The junction’s improvements are set to enhance connections between Norwich and Peterborough, expand employment opportunities, and better link communities. It is also strategically important for access to Norwich University Hospital.
Additionally, the redesign aims to boost safety, with new traffic routes and safer pedestrian and cycle paths, potentially preventing up to 26 serious collisions over the next six decades.
As part of the plans, two new free-flowing slip roads connecting the A47 with the A11 will be constructed, directing traffic away from the junction and under new underpasses.
The government’s investment in the scheme is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Norfolk’s local economy.
Norfolk County Council Highways Infrastructure and Transport cabinet member councillor Graham Plant said: “This scheme will unlock significant economic growth, helping to supercharge the vital connection between the A11 and the nationally significant businesses that have found a home in Norfolk.”
The project is a key element of the government’s Plan for Change, which focuses on renewing infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
