In collaboration with contractor Galliford Try, National Highways plans to advance three delayed projects on the A47 in Norfolk. This decision comes after a judge upheld the planning permission granted by ministers for the schemes. Mrs Justice Thornton DBE, following a judicial review at the High Court, concluded that the transport secretary’s decisions to grant development consent orders were appropriately evaluated.
The three schemes involve the construction of new dual carriageways and junctions between Blofield and North Burlingham, North Tuddenham and Easton. The project also includes the redevelopment of Thickthorn Junction, where the A11 meets the A47 south of Norwich.
Chris Griffin, the programme leader for National Highways in the East Region, expressed enthusiasm about the judgment. He emphasised that the plans aim to enhance travel times and improve safety on the A47. He also noted overwhelming local support for the schemes.
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Government to delay the A47 projects for at least one year
Despite the positive ruling, National Highways announced a delay of at least one year in commencing work on all three projects. Initially, the work was expected to start shortly after the development consent order decisions last year, but it was put on hold due to legal challenges. The organisation intends to collaborate with Galliford Try to establish new project timelines. They also aim to announce any completion date changes in the coming weeks.
The original completion dates for the A47 projects were set for summer 2024 for the Blofield scheme. The Tuddenham upgrade was set for winter 2025 and early 2025 for the Thickthorn redevelopment.
Dr Andrew Boswell, who initiated the judicial review, intended to appeal the judgment immediately. He emphasised the case’s significance, highlighting its relevance to assessing the environmental impacts of new infrastructure. He also highlighted the UK’s ability to achieve its climate targets. Furthermore, he pointed out that the same methodology, which overlooks cumulative emissions, is used to evaluate nearly all road schemes in the country. Dr Boswell cited the recent advice from the government’s climate advisors. This called for a systematic review of current and future road-building projects in relation to climate targets. It also underlined the risks posed by expanding traffic to achieving Net Zero goals.
