These bird's eye view photographs show the scale of the work which is being done on the A47 to pave the way for dualling a section of the road in Norfolk.

The pictures by aerial photographer Mike Page show how National Highways has been creating compounds for workers and vehicles between Easton and North Tuddenham.

Eastern Daily Press: Compounds for the workers and vehicles which will dual the A47 are taking shapeCompounds for the workers and vehicles which will dual the A47 are taking shape (Image: Mike Page)

Archaeological excavations have been taking place and utilities such as electricity and gas diverted, with new pipes installed.

But that is all preparatory work ahead of the dualling work itself. And it remains unclear when, or potentially if, the full-blown dualling construction will commence.

Eastern Daily Press: Diverting utilities is part of the work being done next to the A47Diverting utilities is part of the work being done next to the A47 (Image: Mike Page)

The then transport secretary Grant Shapps agreed, in August last year, to grant development consent for dualling the five-and-a-half mile section.

Eastern Daily Press: Work is being done in fields next to the A47Work is being done in fields next to the A47 (Image: Mike Page)

Permission for dualling between Blofield and North Burlingham, where similar preparatory work is under way and a revamp of Thickthorn roundabout was also granted.

However, environmental campaigner Dr Andrew Boswell challenged the legality of the government's decision-making, which delayed the start of work.

His High Court challenge, in which he argued the cumulative carbon impact of the three schemes had not been properly considered, was dismissed earlier this year.

Eastern Daily Press: The A47 is due to be dualled between Easton and North TuddenhamThe A47 is due to be dualled between Easton and North Tuddenham (Image: Mike Page)

But a judge has given Dr Boswell, a former Green city and county councillor, permission to appeal - meaning there will be a hearing at the Court of Appeal.

National Highways, the government-owned company which is responsible for the A47, described that as a "disappointing and difficult turn of events".

They said they will "take some time" to consider what happens next.

But Chris Griffin, programme leader for National Highways in the East region, said: "In the meantime, we stand by our plans and remain confident that we can deliver significant improvements to both safety and congestion on the A47, as well as providing a huge boost to the regional economy."

A date for the Court of Appeal hearing has yet to be set.