Skanska has been awarded a £153 million contract by National Highways in the UK to improve the A47 Thickthorn junction in East Anglia. A key portion of the project is the construction of a new 1.6km free-flow link road, connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound via two new underpasses.
Skanska says it is working closely with design partner Sweco, with the scheme including building five new structures. The A47/A11 Thickthorn junction is important for traffic in the area but suffers from congestion. The upgrade is needed to improve traffic flow and facilitate planned residential and commercial development according to Skanska.
A 1km local link road will also be built, linking Cantley Lane South with the B1172 Norwich Road. This 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 – replacing it with a new one for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
The project will deliver wide-ranging improvements, reducing congestion and boosting economic growth, while it is being backed by over £200 million of government funding. Enabling works have commenced, with main construction scheduled to begin Q3 2025/26 and the scheme open to traffic in 2028/29.
“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,” said Andrew English, executive vice president, Skanska UK.
“Our 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’s a great outcome that has been achieved as a result of our trusted working relationship with National Highways, developed over more than two decades.
“We’re now looking forward to moving into main construction, delivering these much-needed improvements that will generate long-lasting benefits for the region.”
National Highways Programme Leader Alistair Stout said: “Improving the junction at Thickthorn is great news for local people and those who regularly work or travel in and around Norwich.
