A new £100million road has reopened for thousands of drivers in Norfolk, marking a major milestone in one of the region's biggest transport upgrades.
Motorists began using the newly built 2.6-mile stretch of the A47 between Blofield and North Burlingham on March 18, with around 30,000 vehicles expected to travel the route once it is fully operational.
For now, drivers must stick to a temporary 40mph speed limit, with one lane in each direction still closed while construction teams complete the final stages of the project. The road is due to fully open by early summer, when it will run at the national speed limit.
The scheme forms part of a wider £500million investment into Norfolk's road network, aimed at improving journey times, easing congestion and boosting the local economy.
The A47 is a key route linking Norwich to the port at Great Yarmouth, with officials explaining the upgrade will improve both safety and capacity along the busy corridor.
Chris Griffin, programme manager for National Highways, said the project would have long-term benefits for the region.
He said: "The project will provide a legacy to the region, improving access to the port and bringing a boost to the economy in Norfolk. After a very wet winter, it's been quite an achievement to get this phase of the project completed.
"There remains some work to do before the project is fully opened, but we are delighted with the progress and are set to meet our stated opening date.
The reopening will see thousands of cars able to access the road again
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
"By moving traffic onto the new carriageway, this will allow us to complete the final phases of the project."
Project Director Tom Farley said the opening was a significant moment, adding that the team had worked hard to ensure the road was reopened on time.
"It's a major milestone after a lot of hard work, and we're now focused on finishing the remaining work so we can open all lanes and get the new road running at 70mph," he said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The new road reopened with lower speed limits in Norfolk
| PABefore the full opening, crews still need to complete two new junctions and convert the old A47 for local traffic use, while additional work includes new cycle routes and upgrades to surrounding roads.
Environmental improvements are also a key part of the project, with more than 65,000 trees and shrubs being planted, to deliver a 40 per cent net gain in biodiversity.
New habitats are being created for wildlife, including wetlands, woodland, grassland and hedgerows. Bat and bird boxes have also been installed to support species such as barn owls, kestrels and mallards.
A temporary 40mph limit will be in place until the road reopens fully
| GETTYAn 8km cycleway will run alongside the route, offering safer travel for cyclists.
Builders have also reused around 110,000 cubic metres of material from a nearby project, reducing lorry movements and cutting carbon emissions.
The A47 upgrade is one of several major road schemes underway in Norfolk, as officials look to modernise infrastructure and support future growth.