A delayed £200 million road scheme to improve a notorious bottleneck in Norfolk has been approved by the Government.
The Thickthorn Junction scheme, long-delayed by court challenges, will involve construction of two new free-flowing slip roads that will connect the A47 with the A11, re-routing traffic away from the junction and flowing it under new underpasses.
The Government says the scheme will allow new housing development and create jobs.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood visited the A47 to mark the approval of the project.
She said: “This scheme is finally getting to 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.
“To help deliver our Plan for Change, we’re investing in more vital road schemes such as this over £200 million funding for Norwich, and the recently announced £90m for other schemes across England, to renew our national infrastructure, speed up journeys and revive economic growth.”
Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways infrastructure and transport for Norfolk County Council, said: “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.
“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.
“Norfolk residents will benefit from safer and more reliable journeys as they make their way to Norwich and beyond.”
© Eastern Echo (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
Sign up to receive our weekly free journal, The Forum here.
