The long-awaited A47/A11 Thickthorn junction scheme will speed up journey times, and support development of 44,000 new homes in the area.

National Highways’ A47 road scheme has been held up in the courts and was retendered last year to seek better value.

Skanska is understood to have secured the project although the contractor has still to be confirmed officially.

Plans include the construction of two new free-flowing slip roads that will connect the A47 with the A11, re-routing traffic away from the junction and flowing it under new underpasses.

The government is providing over £200m for the scheme which is expected to generate millions more for the local economy of Norfolk. It is part of the government’s Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and grow the economy.

Nicola Bell, Executive Director of Major Projects at National Highways, said: “Getting the green light to improve the junction at Thickthorn is great news for local people and those who regularly work or travel in and around Norwich.

“This will help support economic growth in the area, significantly reduce congestion, improve journey times, and make the road safer.”