A11 Dualling - Final Go Ahead Given

A major scheme to widen the last single carriageway section of the A11 between Norwich and the M11 has been given the go-ahead after completing its final planning stages, the government's announced today.

They confirmed funding for the improvement to the A11 between Barton Mills, Suffolk, and Thetford, Norfolk, as a result of October's spending review settlement. However, this was subject to completion of statutory planning and order making processes.

The scheme has now cleared this stage after the Minister accepted an independent Inspector's recommendation following a public inquiry that the scheme orders should be made.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said; "The Government is committed to delivering transport projects which improve journeys and help economic growth so I am pleased to announce that this vital scheme has completed its final planning stages and can now proceed to construction.

"When complete, a nine mile stretch of the busy A11 between Fiveways roundabout and Thetford will be widened - completing the missing link of dual carriageway between Norwich and M11.

"This scheme has very high levels of public support. Road users will benefit from reduced congestion, faster, more reliable journeys and improved safety on the route which is a major link between the East of England and London. Our analysis shows that every pound invested in this scheme will deliver more than £17 of benefits to the economy - an extremely high rate of return.”

Currently, Norwich is the largest city in the UK not linked to the rest of the country by dual carriageway. As well as completing the dualling of the A11 between the M11 and Norwich, a bypass will be provided for the village of Elveden.

The scheme is one of 14 HA major projects given the go-ahead for construction by 2015. The HA is currently preparing a programme for these schemes and will outline its plans for start of works in the Spring.