Norfolk MP calls for A47 to be dualled across the county to reduce congestion and air pollution
Three multi-million pound schemes on this road were given the green light last year
A Norfolk MP is telling us he's pushing for the A47 to be dualled across Norfolk - to help reduce congestion, air pollution and fuel local economic growth.
Three multi-million pound schemes on this road were given the green light last year - including planned upgrades to the Thickthorn junction, due to be finished next year.
"This is very much a 'cross party' thing"
Ben Goldsborough represents South Norfolk and told us why these developments need to be turbo-charged: "If you speak to environmentalists locally, a majority of them will tell you that there's nothing of note there to worry about.
"We know that it's an accident blackspot as well, we've got HGV's there and slow moving buses from the station nearby. It also clogs up in both day and night. During rush hour you hate to be anywhere near it.
"This is very much a 'cross party' thing and that's how we need to keep pushing ahead with it. Thickthorn junction is a key part of that puzzle, in terms of getting that junction upgraded.
"It will also prove the case that the rest of the A47, not just the junctions going to and from it, need this investment to help drive our economy forwards".
The three National Highways A47 road improvement schemes are:
1) Dual carriageway and junctions on the A47 between Blofield - North Burlingham
National Highways say they will replace the existing single-lane section of the A47 between Blofield and North Burlingham with a new two-lane dual carriageway.
This will be 70m south of the existing road.
The group also plan to make safety improvements to the Yarmouth Road junction, closing the right turn and adding a dedicated lane to join the A47.
In addition to adding a new bridge over the new dual carriageway. This will connect the villages of Blofield and North Burlingham, and take traffic from Blofield toward Great Yarmouth.
There will also be changes to the east junction, with a new two-tier junction connecting B1140 South Walsham Road (north of the A47) with B1140 Coxhill Road (south of the A47).
For safety reasons, we are going to close the direct access from Lingwood Road and Lingwood Lane to this part of the A47 when it becomes a dual carriageway.
Start date: 2023-24
End date: 2026-27
Cost: £90 million - £100 million
2) Dual carriageway and junctions on the A47 between North Tuddenham - Easton
National Highways say they will complete the dual carriageway between Norwich and Dereham.
They are also proposing to build two new junctions. The first junction will be at Berry’s Lane and Wood Lane, and the second junction will be located at Blind Lane and Norwich Road.
This decision will see the Easton roundabout be removed. The firm say these improvements will better connect side roads into the new dual carriageway.
Start date: 2024
End date: 2026-27
Cost: £100 million - £250 million
3) Redevelopment of Thickthorn junction (where A47 meets the A11 south of Norwich)
The firm say this project will help relieve congestion at the Thickthorn junction by providing two new free-flowing slip roads that will connect the A47 with the A11.
The new slip roads will re-route traffic away from the junction and flow it under new underpasses.
National Highways also remove the existing footbridge over the A47 and provide a new footbridge for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Start date: 2024
End date: 2026
Cost: £50 million - £100 million
What's the Government said on this?
In its election winning manifesto, Labour said it would "maintain and renew the UK's road network" and "develop a long-term strategy for transport".