The Transport Secretary has granted development consent for the A47 North Tuddenham to Easton scheme as part of the Roads Investment Strategy 2.
The scheme which National Highways estimates will cost around £200 million is one of 6 schemes to improve the A47 and will:
- Create a new dual carriageway to replace the existing single carriageway between North Tuddenham and Easton linking two existing sections of dual carriageway.
- Build two new junctions to better connect the side roads into the new dual carriageway, the first will be at Berry’s Lane and Wood Lane and the second is at Blind Lane and Taverham Road.
- Remove the existing roundabout at Easton to create safer routes for walkers, cyclists and other vulnerable users.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by National Highways on 15 March 2021 and accepted for Examination on 12 April 2021. Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 12 May 2022.
Martin Wilby, chair of the A47 Alliance and Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said:
“Dualling of the A47 here will improve safety, congestion, connectivity and journey times along the route, bringing not only benefits for residents but a boost for businesses from Lowestoft to Peterborough and everywhere in-between.
James Wild MP said:
"It is welcome that this scheme to dual more of the A47 has now been approved which when complete will reduce journey times and provide a safer road. Dualling the A47 remains the ultimate aim and I support further improvements in the next investment phase particularly the Tilney to East Winch scheme."
Looking ahead, James continues to support three schemes backed by the A47 Alliance for inclusion in the next Road Investment Strategy in particular Tilney to East Winch. Investing in this scheme would help level up the area, generating considerable benefits by supporting existing businesses and attracting more jobs and investment, enhanced productivity, and unlocking new homes in transport corridors along the route. It would also mean reduced delays and fewer fatalities.
The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.
