National Highways has appointed Skanska to deliver a £153m upgrade of the A47/A11 Thickthorn junction near Norwich.
The contract includes the construction of a new 1.6km free-flow link road connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound through two new underpasses, and a second local link road of around 1km connecting Cantley Lane South with the B1172 Norwich Road.
The project will feature a modular bridge spanning the existing A11 and a 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 a footbridge to replace it with a new one for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Skanska said the project will employ more than 300 people at its peak.
The A47/A11 Thickthorn junction is a busy road providing access to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Andrew English, Skanska UK’s executive vice-president, said: “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. 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.”
The National Highways scheme is backed by more than £200m of government funding.
Enabling works are already underway, with main construction scheduled to begin in Q3 2025/26. The scheme is scheduled to open to traffic in 2028/29.
