Major improvements coming to Thickthorn Junction in Norfolk costing £200m, aiming to ease traffic and boost regional growth.
The Department for Transport says this is important. They think it helps build houses and also expect it to create jobs. Around 44,000 new homes are planned, and about 33,000 new jobs could appear.
The road work will save time, with an expected three or four minutes saved on the A11 to A47 route eastbound, mornings and afternoons. The A11 will also save two or three minutes; this helps commuters and businesses.
The government is funding new slip roads that connect the A47 and A11, allowing traffic to avoid the main junction. Cars will go under the junction using new underpasses, and this layout is said to be safer, with fatal crashes potentially dropping. Around 26 fewer serious crashes may occur, projected over the next 60 years.
This project boosts Norwich’s economy and attracts businesses to Norwich. They expect 44,000 homes by 2038, and also 33,000 new jobs will be made. About 360 hectares of commercial land opens.
The National Highways director is happy, saying the changes support growth and congestion will be reduced a lot. Journeys will be faster and much safer. Local leaders are also excited, as the junction has been a problem for years, and they’ve been wanting improvements for a long time.
Norfolk businesses are happy too, with the Chamber of Commerce agreeing it is great. They have asked for A47 road upgrades, and Thickthorn connects the A11 and A47. Funding this project means a lot to them; safer roads and less traffic are expected, and further housing and jobs could happen, creating new business chances, and this investment unlocks regional growth.