A transport minister will hear the case for improving the A47 at a business breakfast in West Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: The A47 at Tuddenham. Picture: Matthew Usher.The A47 at Tuddenham. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: � Archant Norfolk 2014)

John Hayes, minister of state at the Department for Transport, will be attending the event at King's Lynn Innovation Centre on Thursday, May 11 (8.30am).

It's being organised by the Norfolk Chamber and the A47 Alliance, which brings together stakeholders such as enterprise partnerships, local authorities and other business representatives - along the entire length of the trunk road from Lowestoft to the A1 at Peterborough.

The alliance was delighted that government previously recognised the vital importance of the A47 in the trunk road programme from 2015 to 2020 as a nationally important strategic road, deserving of crucial funding to undertake key improvements along sections of the A47. Moving towards announcements for the 2020 to 2025 programme, it is inviting key businesses along the route in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire to its business breakfast.

'We want to hear first-hand their views on the A47 and how this relates to the successful economic growth in our region,' it said. 'We will use this important opportunity to update the businesses on the schemes' progress and hear directly from businesses in the East on what essential infrastructure improvements they would like to happen to secure the future success of their businesses.'

Eastern Daily Press: The A47 at Hockering where the busy traffic still travels on single carriageway. Picture: Simon FinlayThe A47 at Hockering where the busy traffic still travels on single carriageway. Picture: Simon Finlay (Image: EDP pics � 2003)

The alliance's goal is the full dualling of the A47. It says this would help to boost the economic prosperity of a large part of the East of England.

The estimated cost of would be £1.4bn, but through a combination of selected improvements, there could be up to 16,890 jobs created within 20 years.

Officials announced proposed improvements to six areas two weeks ago, which have now gone out to public consultation. They include a new stretch of dual carriageway at Wansford, west of Peterborough; an enlarged roundabout at Guyhirn, near Wisbech; improvements at Tuddenham, Blofield and Thickthorn and redesigning the Vauxhall Roundabout, at Great Yarmouth.

Spaces are limited for the event and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, e-mail A47alliance@norfolk.gov.uk