As he toured the region, the transport secretary said the government were taking the scheme very seriously.

On a visit to Lowestoft yesterday Chris Grayling said the third crossing there and the proposals for Great Yarmouth would have similar benefits.

'It's all about reliable journey times and about easing congestion. That's what brings investment and makes people's lives better and makes journeying into town better. In a part of the country like this it brings jobs.'

While he could not make any promised he said: 'It is one that we are taking very seriously. Brandon Lewis has been banging on my door about it.'

Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis, said: 'We've had huge infrastructure investment in Great Yarmouth recently. This third river crossing is an important part of taking that forward, to help us boost the economy even further, deliver more jobs locally and make transport for everybody in Great Yarmouth easier.'

Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Graham Plant, said: 'The benefits of the Third River Crossing for the borough and region are huge, and the borough council is absolutely committed to working with partners across the public and private sectors to make a compelling case to Government for the funding required to make this important piece of infrastructure a reality.

'Great Yarmouth is England's offshore energy sector capital, in line to share in billions of pounds of private investment over coming decades, including in offshore windfarms and gas platform decommissioning. This vital infrastructure, linking the Port, deep-water Outer Harbour and Enterprise Zone to the trunk road network, compliments the improvements already planned on the A47 and will significantly improve traffic connections, create thousands of jobs and unlock further business, regeneration and investment opportunities, bringing sustainable economic growth that will boost prosperity and community wellbeing.'

New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership board member Mark Goodall said the case for the scheme was a compelling one.

'Improving connectivity is key to increasing our productivity, attracting inward investment and retaining local talent. A third river crossing in Great Yarmouth would support all three, helping to create thousands of new jobs, opening up our all-energy coastline.'

Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: 'A third river crossing in Great Yarmouth will help to improve that connectivity and create thousands of new jobs. It will improve links across the town and to the rest of the region and reduce congestion. All of which will save businesses time and money, whilst allowing them to increase economic growth.'

Great Yarmouth port director, Richard Goffin, said: 'Investment in improved transport infrastructure is an essential step to unlocking Great Yarmouth's true potential. The ability to attract opportunities will not only benefit existing businesses but also the communities we serve today and the future prosperity we can deliver tomorrow.'

President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council, Neil Orford, said: 'The new crossing would provide much needed connections between the strategic road network and the fast growing energy related Enterprise Zone.'