Norfolk environmentalist urges government to invest in rail instead of roads
National Highways says it's ready to start work on the Thickthorn junction
An environmentalist in Norfolk is calling on the Government to put together a more holistic transport policy, which helps take more cars off the road.
It's as work to dual the A47 at Blofield and North Tuddenham is now underway, after years of delays.
National Highways says contractors are ready to start the same work at the Thicktorn Junction.
"Then you reduce the need for somewhere like the Thickthorn roundabout"
Dr Andrew Boswell took the Government to court last year over the environmental damage he estimated these schemes would cause:
"The construction corridor for building these roads are very wide and they create huge damage. They also take out a lot of farmland- we her a lot about this when it comes to solar power- but it's also the case with road schemes".
"If you were to provide a rail-link through to the University, Hospital and the surrounding research parks, then you reduce the need for somewhere like the Thickthorn roundabout to upgraded. Especially, if people use other ways of travelling."
What's National Highways said?
The government-owned company says it's continuing to reduce the carbon emissions around building these roads and are planting 14,000 trees to help the local environment.
National Highways says these schemes aim to:
Improve safety and reduce collisions
-Help sustainable economic growth by supporting employment and residential development opportunities
-Reduce delays and make journey times more reliable
-Improve amenities for cyclists and pedestrians