The government has finally approved a long-awaited upgrade of the A47/A11 junction in Norfolk, which it said would save freight hundreds of hours off journeys every week.
The Thickthorn junction scheme was given money in 2013 but permission was not granted for almost a decade and it was then mired in a legal challenge dismissed by the courts as having “no logical basis”.
Ministers said the development would significantly speed up journey times and reduce pressure on the junction; on the eastbound A11 to A47, drivers will save three to four minutes off journeys in the morning and afternoon travel peaks. Along the A11, the route will also shave off two to three minutes in the morning and afternoon peaks.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “This scheme is finally getting the go-ahead it deserves after years of expensive legal blocks, as we are now able to unlock this vital scheme that Norwich has waited long for.
“We are determined to get Britain building again as this scheme is set to not only improve journeys but create thousands of new homes and jobs.”
The RHA’s policy lead James Barwise said it was delighted by the announcement: “This scheme is the first step in unlocking wider economic potential along the A47 corridor by reducing journey times, facilitating new developments, and improving connectivity for businesses and communities,” he said.
“Congestion costs £30.8bn a year which stifles growth, so we’re campaigning for significant roads investment to tackle delays and boost the economy.”
The plans include the construction of two new free-flowing slip roads that will connect the A47 with the A11, re-routing traffic away from the junction and flow it under new underpasses.
The government is providing over £200 million for the scheme which is expected to generate millions more to the local economy of Norfolk.
Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways infrastructure and transport at Norfolk County Council, added: “We’re thrilled that this long-anticipated project has received approval.
“Thickthorn Junction has been a persistent bottleneck, and we’ve been pushing for these improvements for a number of years.”
