The Government has approved the outline business case for Norfolk County Council’s Norwich Western Link project.

The scheme, which will see a new 3.9-mile dual carriageway built to the west of the city, is expected to cut traffic congestion, reduce journey times and improve air quality.

Norfolk County Council leader, Cllr Kay Mason Billig, said: “This will make a huge difference to local people, tackling congestion and poor air quality.

“It enables us to complete this long overdue ring road around Norwich and unlock further opportunities for economic growth – providing more of the high skilled, well-paid jobs that Norfolk needs.

“It’s a great example of how Norfolk stands ready to deliver ambitious projects and we look forward to further Government support, a fairer share of national funding and to unlocking our great potential.”

Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure at Norfolk County Council, said: “This is the news we’ve been waiting and pushing for, and I’m so pleased ministers have heard us and understood how important the Norwich Western Link is to Norfolk.

“The announcement gives us a commitment from central Government to fund the majority of the cost of the project and will bring an anticipated £213 million of national investment into the county, with the potential for the Government contribution to be uplifted to cover even more of the costs.

“Continuing to improve our transport infrastructure for all kinds of journeys is vital to the future success of our county and this endorsement of our business case brings the Norwich Western Link a significant step closer to being delivered.”

Together with dualling of the A47, the link will complete a dual carriageway around Norwich and, as well as easing existing congestion, will help accommodate planned housing and employment growth in and around the city, serving Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich Airport and the Food Enterprise Park at Easton.

A planning report will be brought to a meeting of the council’s cabinet imminently so that members can approve submission of a planning application.

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