Widening of the A11 on the Norfolk/Suffolk border finally begins

Kate Scotter Thursday, January 24, 2013
12.51 PM

Work to dual the last remaining single carriageway stretch of the A11 has officially begun, roads minister Stephen Hammond announced today.

The £105 million Fiveways to Thetford dualling and improvement scheme will widen 5.5 miles of the A11 - a key route between the M11 and Norwich - and build a new 3.6 mile bypass around the village of Elveden, from Chalk Hall Farm to Thetford roundabout.

Once completed, the Highways Agency project will bring a significant boost to the economy, reduce congestion and improve road safety. The scheme is due to be completed in December 2014.

Mr Hammond, who was at the site of construction today, said: “The government is committed to giving this country the first-class infrastructure we need, and the A11 is another example of how we are delivering projects that will boost the economy, especially in the east of England.

“We are investing more than two billion pounds in road projects over the next two years, with the Highways Agency developing and starting work on 19 major projects, including improvements to the A11.

“Once completed, these schemes will add around 250 miles of additional lanes for drivers, easing congestion, creating jobs and supporting homeowners and businesses alike.”

The A11 widening project is part of a £3.3 billion investment in major road improvements in England during this spending review period and the second major road scheme to start work this month. Work to widen the A453 in the East Midlands got underway last week.

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