Improvements to the A47 Thickthorn junction, where A47 meets the A11 south of Norwich, were supposed to have already finished by now but the contract was retendered after costs escalated.
Galliford Try was National Highway鈥檚 original pick for the scheme; Galliford Try is also main contractor for upgrades to two other sections of the A47 in Norfolk 鈥� between Blofield and North Burlingham; and between North Tuddenham and Easton. Al three schemes were held up by (ultimately unsuccessful) legal challenges.
After cost estimates for Thickthorn junction rose from an initial 拢50m-拢100m range to 拢161m, National Highways the scheme ran aground. With all the delays, the overall project cost is now north of 拢200m.
Skanska has now started enabling works have started, with main construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. The new junction is unlikely to open to traffic until 2029.
The A47/A11 Thickthorn junction provides access to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. It suffers from congestion and needs upgrading to facilitate planned residential and commercial development.
The scheme includes construction of a new 1.6km free-flow link road, connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound via two new underpasses.
A second 1km local link road will also be constructed, connecting Cantley Lane South with the B1172 Norwich Road. It will feature a modular bridge spanning the existing A11 and new free-flow link road to the A47.
Skanska will also build two new junctions on the local road network, widen the existing slip road on the A47 westbound and remove an existing footbridge 鈥� replacing it with a new one for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders.
Skanska is working with consulting engineer Sweco. The scheme will include construction of five new structures, entail more than 3km of utility diversions and, at peak, will employ more than 300 people.聽
鈥淲e have worked collaboratively with National Highways to develop the design and scheme budget to ensure it meets the overall cost envelope for the project,鈥� said Skanska UK executive vice president Andrew English. 鈥淥ur 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鈥檚 a great outcome that has been achieved as a result of our trusted working relationship with National Highways, developed over more than two decades.
鈥淲e鈥檙e now looking forward to moving into main construction, delivering these much-needed improvements that will generate long-lasting benefits for the region."
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