Wedoany.com Report-Jul. 20, Skanska has been appointed by the UK’s National Highways to oversee a £153 million ($204.87 million) upgrade of the A47 Thickthorn junction near Norwich, England. The project aims to reduce congestion, enhance road reliability, and support economic growth in the region. The A47/A11 Thickthorn junction serves as a vital link for commuters, businesses, and commercial traffic.

The A47 Thickthorn overhaul aims to reduce congestion near Norwich.

The initiative includes constructing a 1.6-kilometer free-flow link road connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound, featuring two new underpasses. A second 1-kilometer local link road will connect Cantley Lane South to Norwich Road (B1172), incorporating a modular bridge over the A11 and the new link road. The project also involves building two new local road junctions, expanding existing slip roads, and replacing an older footbridge with a new structure for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.

Alistair Stout, National Highways programme leader, stated: “Improving the junction at Thickthorn is great news for local people and those who regularly work or travel in and around Norwich. By investing in these upgrades, we’re helping to unlock economic growth in the area with reduced journey times, congestion and transport costs for businesses, as well as making the road safer for all users.”

Approved by the UK government in February 2025 with over £200 million in funding, the project has begun enabling works, with main construction scheduled to start in the third quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. Completion is anticipated by early 2028-29. At its peak, the project is expected to employ over 300 workers, contributing to local economic activity.

The upgrades address anticipated growth in the area, including approximately 3,000 new residential and commercial developments near the junction, which are likely to increase traffic. The new free-flow slip roads and underpasses will help alleviate congestion by guiding traffic more efficiently. Skanska, collaborating with design partner Sweco, will construct five new structures and implement over 3 kilometers of utility diversions.

Skanska UK executive vice-president Andrew English stated: “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. 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.”

Skanska is also involved in other National Highways projects, including upgrades at M42 Junction 6, a new A428 dual carriageway, the A46 Newark bypass, and road developments for the Lower Thames Crossing, reinforcing its role in enhancing UK infrastructure.