Speed limit on A47 stretch in Norfolk as dualling begins

Between now and 2027, National Highways will be dualling five and a half miles of the A-road between Easton and North Tuddenham.

Signs announcing the start of dualling work on the A47 (Image: Dan Grimmer)

Signs announcing the start of construction appeared by the side of the A47 last week, saying work would begin on August 19.

A 30mph limit has been put in place between the Mattishall roundabout and Taverham Road, which leads to Ringland.

The A47 will be dualled (Image: National Highways)

The measure comes as work is also being done to improve drainage on the road, close to Honingham.

Two storage tanks have been installed next to the A47 in the area, in an attempt to prevent repeated flooding which as plagued the road. 

Meanwhile a series of compounds and access roads, for the vehicles which will carry out the work, have been created along the A47.

Diggers next to the A47 (Image: Dan Grimmer)

Diggers and other construction vehicles have been moved into these compounds, ready for the main dualling work to get under way.

When contractors Galliford Try begin the work in earnest it will mean carriageway closures, diversion routes, multi-way traffic signals and speed restrictions.

The dualling project was first announced in 2014 by then prime minister David Cameron, along with a similar scheme between North Burlingham and Blofield.

But a legal challenge by eco-campaigner Dr Andrew Boswell meant National Highways, the government company behind the projects, was unable to make much progress.

Dr Andrew Boswell challenged the A47 dualling decisions in court (Image: Dan Grimmer)

During the court battle it could only do preparatory work, such as archaeological studies, clearing vegetation and moving utilities.

Dr Boswell had argued that the government had acted unlawfully in allowing the road schemes, because their cumulative impact on the environment had not been properly considered.

But the High Court and the Court of Appeal rejected his claim and his legal avenues were exhausted when the UK Supreme Court turned down his application in May.

The end of that process, which National Highways claimed had delayed the project and added millions to the bill, meant dualling work can begin.

Thickthorn roundabout (Image: Mike Page)

There have already been various overnight road closures on the 1.5 mile stretch to be dualled between Blofield and North Burlingham.

The work also includes a revamp of Thickthorn roundabout on the edge of Norwich, but there is so far no indication as to when that update will begin.