National Highways has appointed Skanska to deliver a £153 million upgrade to the A47/A11 Thickthorn junction, in a major project designed to reduce congestion, improve journey reliability and support future economic growth across the region.

The contract will see Skanska carry out wide-ranging improvements at one of Norfolk’s busiest junctions, which provides a key access point for commuters, businesses, and visitors to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The long-anticipated upgrade is expected to help unlock new residential and commercial development in and around Norwich.

The plans include the construction of a 1.6km free-flow link road, connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound via two new underpasses. In addition, a second 1km local link road will be built to connect Cantley Lane South with the B1172 Norwich Road. This route will feature a modular bridge over both the A11 and the new free-flow link.

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Two new junctions will be created on the local road network, the A47 westbound slip road will be widened, and an existing pedestrian footbridge will be removed and replaced with a new structure accommodating walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders.

Skanska, working with design partner Sweco, will deliver five new structures and undertake more than 3km of utility diversions. At peak, the scheme is expected to employ more than 300 people.

Backed by over £200 million in government funding, the project is a key part of National Highways’ plan to enhance infrastructure across the East of England.

"We have worked collaboratively with National Highways to develop the design and scheme budget to ensure it meets the overall cost envelope for the project," said Andrew English, Executive Vice President, Skanska UK.

"Our focus on cost, while ensuring we can deliver the full benefits of the scheme safely and on programme, has been key to our approach. It's a great outcome that has been achieved as a result of our trusted working relationship with National Highways, developed over more than two decades.

"We're now looking forward to moving into main construction, delivering these much-needed improvements that will generate long-lasting benefits for the region."

Enabling works are already underway, with main construction scheduled to begin in Q3 of 2025/26. The upgraded junction is expected to open to traffic in 2028/29.