Complaints force change at junction with long-running A47 roadworks

Junction upgrade and driver complaints

The junction upgrade near Norwich has drawn numerous complaints from drivers frustrated by congestion and long delays. In response, Norfolk County Council and National Highways have agreed to adjust the traffic layout at the A47 Thickthorn junction.

New traffic layout at Thickthorn

From Saturday, vehicles coming from the A11 and heading east on the A47 will use lane one, while drivers already travelling eastbound on the A47 will use lane two. The two lanes will merge further along the eastbound A47, which is intended to smooth traffic flow and cut queues at the Thickthorn roundabout.

Scale and purpose of the project

The Thickthorn work is part of a £200m scheme to remodel the A47–A11 junction, one of three major road projects under way around Norwich. Officials say that once completed, the upgrade should deliver more reliable journey times and support growth in Norwich and nearby communities.

Overlapping works and disruption

The junction upgrade has coincided with a lane closure on the A47 southern bypass between Little Melton and the A140 Ipswich Road, adding to congestion. Other works in the area include new junctions and widening between Blofield and North Burlingham, and between North Tuddenham and Easton.

Political and public criticism

Local representatives and road users have heavily criticised the decision to run several A47 schemes at the same time. South Norfolk Labour MP Ben Goldsborough described the situation, including the Thickthorn works, as a “nightmare” for drivers and businesses.

“Everything is being done all at once,” said South Norfolk Labour MP Ben Goldsborough, arguing that the overlapping projects cause unnecessary disruption for motorists.

Author’s summary

A costly A47–A11 upgrade near Norwich sparked heavy criticism over severe congestion, prompting a revised lane layout at Thickthorn while overlapping schemes keep pressure on drivers and local businesses.

BBC on MSN — 2025-11-28