Zarah ChoudharyGovernment Ministers have approved the delayed A47/A11 Thickthorn Junction scheme in Norwich.
The scheme will support the Greater Norwich City Deal, with the aim of attracting more businesses to operate in Norwich, and is expected to create more than 44,000 homes, 33,000 new jobs and 360 additional hectares of commercial land by 2038.
Since entering the office, the Government has approved the A130 Fairglen Interchange, the A647 scheme in Leeds and is supporting expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood 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 £200m funding for Norwich, and the recently announced £90 million for other schemes across England, to renew our national infrastructure, speed up journeys and revive economic growth.”
The Government is providing over £200m for the scheme, which is expected to generate millions for the local economy of Norfolk, as part of its Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and grow the economy.
Nicola Bell, executive director of major projects at National Highways, said: “Getting the green light to improve the junction at Thickthorn is great news for local people and those who regularly work or travel in and around Norwich.
“This will help support economic growth in the area, significantly reduce congestion, improve journey times, and make the road safer.”
Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for Highways Infrastructure and Transport, 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.”
Nova Fairbank, chief executive at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Norfolk business community has long campaigned for improvements to the whole of the A47, our main route from east to west and a key part of this route is the Thickthorn Junction, which connects the A11 to the A47.
“As a result, they welcome the allocation of much needed funding for the Thickthorn Junction scheme. Businesses are looking forward to seeing safety improvements and the reduction of congestion and journey times.
“The ability to deliver further housing, jobs and new commercial opportunities, as a result of this junction upgrade, will make a significant difference.
“This infrastructure investment will give more businesses confidence to invest in their own growth and thus, help unlock wider economic growth for our region.”
