Construction work to dual a stretch of the A47 will finally start next month, after almost a decade in the pipeline - despite a legal threat still hanging over it.
The project, which is due to last until September 2025, will see the road from Blofield to North Burlingham upgraded to become a dual-carriageway.
The scheme - along with a similar one between Easton and Tuddenham, and an upgrade to Thickthorn roundabout - had been held up by a legal challenge from climate change activists concerned about the environmental impact.
READ MORE: Work to pave way for £200m dualling of A47 will begin this year
That challenge failed at the High Court earlier this summer, although the campaigners have since launched an appeal.
But officials from National Highways say they are planning to go ahead with the initial work, such as the diversion of utilities like water and gas as well as archaeological and environmental surveys, while they wait for the latest decision from the courts.
Chris Griffin, from the organisation, said: "These are the first steps as we work towards full construction. As well the diversion of utility pipes and cables you might also see us installing fencing and beginning to construct our compounds which will be the bases we will operate from when major building work begins.
"I know from speaking to local people at previous public events there is overwhelming support from these schemes, so I am delighted that after many months of legal delays, we are now starting to see positive progress and our plans to improve journey times and make the A47 a safer road is becoming a reality."
The work will start on or after September 18.
National Highways has also announced details of planned disruptions that will follow to allow the full works to go ahead.
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They will be carried out in phases, using a combination of full carriageway and slip road closures, lay-by and footway closures, contraflow lanes, no overtaking, gap closures, weight and width restrictions and lane closures.
Reduced speed limits would also be in force at times, between the Cucumber roundabout, at Brundall, and Acle.
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Under the plans, a traffic order could also see the road closed between the two locations from 8pm to 6am, when required. At other times, a contraflow system would be in place.
Large vehicles would be prohibited from using the route and diverted via the A146 and A143.
National Highways say the legal challenges, led by former Green city and county councillor Dr Andrew Boswell and supported by crowdfunding, have already added tens of millions of pounds to cost of the works.
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