Work to complete the dualling of the A11 between Thetford and Barton Mills will begin within the next financial year, it has been announced.

Chancellor George Osborne confirmed in October's comprehensive spending review that the government would press ahead with dualling the final nine-mile stretch of road between Thetford and Barton Mills, and 24 hours later roads minister Mike Penning confirmed funding was in place.

But since then, the Department for Transport (DfT) had only confirmed that work will start by 2015,

Today, roads minister Mike Penning confirmed works would begin in the financial year 2012-2013.

Mr Penning, who went on to outline time frames for a number of road improvemnets across the country within the next four years, said: 'These schemes will deliver vital investment across the strategic road network, driving economic growth and boosting the UK economy.

'They will also provide much-needed additional capacity - easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters. For every pound invested on these schemes on average we will get back �7 of benefits to the economy with some delivering even higher returns.

'Transport provides the crucial links that allow people and businesses to prosper and we will continue to invest in schemes that reduce congestion and support economic growth.'

See Wednesday's paper for more.