Milestone reached as A11 bypass set to open
A key milestone in the programme to dual the A11 between Fiveways roundabout and Thetford in Suffolk will be reached with the opening of the A11 bypass on 28 April 2014.
The new bypass will run with one lane open in each direction, and with a 40mph speed limit, between Chalk Hall Farm to near the end of the scheme, just before Thetford roundabout.
Subject to satisfactory weather conditions over the next few days, work to open the bypass is expected to commence overnight on Sunday 27 April and complete by 6am on Monday 28 April. A11 traffic will then use the new bypass as the regular route.
HGVs that normally use the C633 towards Bury St Edmunds will be directed to leave the A11 at the new B1106 junction and follow signs to continue their normal route. Advanced warning signs will be placed along local roads directing traffic. Access to businesses and properties along the B1106 and within Elveden Village will remain open as usual, via the new junction.
Once the bypass is opened, work will begin to construct the new southbound slip road less than a mile south of the Thetford roundabout. This work is expected to take approximately 12 weeks.
Highways Agency project manager, Geoff Chatfield, said:
Work on the A11 dualling and improvement scheme is progressing well, and with the opening of the A11 bypass we have reached a key milestone.
This opening brings us one step closer to delivering smoother, faster journeys along and around the A11 in Suffolk. We have worked closely with local partners to ensure disruption to road users during the closures is kept to a minimum.
Although this is just a partial opening with one lane in each direction with a 40mph speed limit for the time being, road users and local residents will see an immediate benefit of reduced congestion and smoother journeys.
For more information about the scheme and to register for regular updates, visit
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/a11-fiveways-to-thetford-improvement. Road users can also call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or follow @HAtraffic_east on Twitter for the latest travel information.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use t