A47 Thickthorn junction
We have been appointed by National Highways to upgrade the A47/A11 Thickthorn junction near Norwich, which is important for commuter, business and commercial traffic. It also provides access to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
The junction suffers from congestion and needs upgrading to facilitate planned residential and commercial development. This local growth is likely to increase congestion on the junction and the roads that feed into it.
The project will help relieve congestion at Thickthorn junction by providing a new single free flow link road connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound, and free flow filter lane from the A47 westbound off-slip to the A11 southbound. Traffic will be routed away from the junction and flowed under two new underpasses. We’ll also remove the existing footbridge over the A47 and provide a new footbridge for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Project details
We have worked collaboratively with National Highways to develop the design and scheme budget to ensure it meets the overall cost envelope for the project.
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 c.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.
We 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 – replacing it with a new one for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
We are working closely with design partner 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. The National Highways scheme is backed by over £200m of government funding.
The scheme is due to open to traffic in 2028/29.
Lasting benefits
Through the project, we are providing education, employment and skills training that is supporting local people. This includes our aim to secure 10 Prison Engagement and Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) placements.
Working with HMP Norwich & Wayland, we already have team members working as General and Plant Operatives as well as a trainee Yardsperson and Site Supervisor. These placements, which come with Continuous Professional Development and mentoring support, have been possible with the help of our supply chain partners.
We are also working with Norwich Probation Service, local job centres and City College so people can undertake a 10-day training course, from which they secure their Green CSCS card. This leads to roles ranging from traffic management to multi-skilled operatives and plant operators.
We are caring for our local habitat and wildlife too, including through the installation of 100 bat boxes and 50 bird boxes and nest baskets in nearby woodland.
Skanska is currently working on a number of improvement schemes for National Highways, including at M42 J6, A428 – where a new a new 10-mile dual carriageway is being built – and the A46 Newark bypass. Skanska is also delivering the Kent roads section of the new Lower Thames Crossing.