Safety improvement works for A47 junctions going ahead

National Highways is carrying out a project to widen the offset junction at Necton, where the road passes Tuns Road and Dunham Road.

The work will begin on September 25 and is due to last until February. National Highways say the redeveloped junction will be "safer, smoother and better defined", with visibility greatly improved.

READ MORE: Council promises to meet up with 'bottleneck village' locals over traffic woes

As part of the work, the A47 between the Norwich Road roundabout in Swaffham and the A1075 in Dereham will need to be closed on weeknights between 8pm and 6am, and in some instances for entire weekends.

While closed, westbound traffic will be diverted via the A1075, A11, A134, A1065 and Norwich road before rejoining the A47 westbound at Swaffham, and vice versa. 

The schedule of expected work dates is: 

September 18 to September 25 - Establishment of site compound on land at the corner of Rudge Way and Tuns Road. 

September 25 to October 27 - Closure of the A47 in both directions between Norwich Road roundabout in Swaffham and Dereham.

October 28 to November 12 - No work taking place to allow for Norfolk County Council work in the local area.

READ MORE: Fresh uncertainty over Western Link amid contractor questions

November 13 to December 15 - Closure of the A47 in both directions between Norwich Road roundabout in Swaffham and Dereham.

December 16 to January 2 - No work taking place over the Christmas break. 

January 3 to February - Closure of the A47 in both directions between Norwich Road roundabout in Swaffham and Dereham.

At the same time as the works, UK Power Networks and energy firm Vattenfall will be carrying out their own projects in the area.

In order to minimise disruption, the road workers will be using hydrogen-powered lighting and solar-powered worker facilities, to reduce noise levels, with a noise monitor also in operation.

Vehicles on-site will also be imposed with a "no idling" policy and temporary barriers will be employed when work is the noisiest.

MP George Freeman has rallied for safety improvements at the junctions for years (Image: Richard Townshend Photography)Mid-Norfolk MP George Freeman has long rallied for safety improvements to be made at the junction. 

He said he and local councillors had managed to get National Highways to commit to a study of the junction and its safety in 2018.

And in June, Mr Freeman said he had written to the body's regional director to request another site visit and meeting to consider reducing the speed limit there from 50mph to 40mph.