Two options have been put forward to try to tackle concerns over the multi-million pound changes to the Thickthorn roundabout.

Eastern Daily Press: Potential solution for the Thickthorn Junction. Photo: Highways EnglandPotential solution for the Thickthorn Junction. Photo: Highways England (Image: Highways England)

Highways England revealed in August how the A47 will be changed through £300m improvements, with the roundabout on the edge of Norwich set to be altered.

The government agency put forward its preferred routes for the changes to the road at that time, with only one design put forward to deal with Thickthorn roundabout - a junction where long queues often build up.

Highway bosses say the changes there will alleviate congestion through a direct link from the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound and from the A47 westbound to the A11 southbound.

But they acknowledged at the time that they needed to find a solution to deal with concerns which had been raised during consultation by people living in Cantley Lane South.

Eastern Daily Press: Potential solution for the Thickthorn Junction. Photo: Highways EnglandPotential solution for the Thickthorn Junction. Photo: Highways England (Image: Highways England)

They had raised concern that the proposals first put forward, which included a new link road, going from Cantley Lane South, under the A47 and joining Cantley Lane could lead to rat-running.

And there were concerns the closure of existing access roads to the roundabout could create lengthy diversions for people living there to get onto the A11 and A47.

So, Highways England have come back with two new options for dealing with that issue.

One would see a new bridge over the A11 connecting Cantley Lane South to the B1172 in Hethersett, with a new footbridge over the A47.

The other option would still see a new link road with an underpass below the A47, but this one would connect Cantley Lane South with the Round House Roundabout at Cringleford. It would not connect to Cantley Lane.

Letters have been sent to people living in the nearby area outlining the options and seeking feedback.

In it, Highways England officers said of the options: 'Both provide connectivity between Cantley Lane South and the Thickthorn interchange, satisfy safety concerns and avoid lengthy diversion routes for residents along Cantley Lane South.

'The options also address the majority of other comments which we have received both during and since the consultation.' The final proposals for the A47 will go out for public consultation next year. Work could begin in March 2020, with completion dates starting from March 2021.