Skanska has signed a contract with National Highways to upgrade the A47 Thickthorn junction in East Anglia.

The contract, worth £153m, will see Skanska deliver enhancements to the A47/A11 interchange, increasing resilience on this key stretch of the road network.

The scheme includes the construction of a new 1.6km single-lane free-flow link road, connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound via two new underpasses.

A second approximately 1km local link road will also be constructed, alongside a new road bridge, two new junctions, the widening of an existing link road and installation of a new footbridge. 

The A47/A11 Thickthorn junction near Norwich is important for commuter, business and commercial traffic and provides access to the local Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The project will reduce congestion and increase capacity, supporting planned residential and commercial development. 

Enabling works have started, with the scheme scheduled to open for traffic in 2028/29.

Ministers approved the long-awaited A47 road scheme in February this year, which will support more than 40,000 homes and 30,000 new jobs.