Multi-million pound A47 to A1067 link road plans

Millions of pounds are to be spent on improvements to a link between the A47 and the A1067 route following a decision by Norfolk County Council's cabinet this week.

Millions of pounds are to be spent on improvements to a link between the A47 and the A1067 route following a decision by Norfolk County Council's cabinet this week.

For years there has been much debate about how best to connect the two roads and try to alleviate problems caused by traffic passing through Hockering and Weston Longville.

Various options for the routes have been considered and debated but the cabinet agreed the best way forward would be to carry out improvement works (the southern section of the full combined option 1 and 3) which is estimated to cost between �1.8m and �2.3m plus a further �300,000 to �1m for maintenance work on the Stone Road/Lyng Road route.

The work would be phased as part of the Highways Capital Programme.

It was agreed that cash allocation be made to move the scheme forward on a phased basis.

This would see a �50,000 allocation in 2009/10 from the highway improvement programme to allow a design, consultation and land negotiation to start.

The works to the southern section of the combined options 1 and 3 would also allow HGV vehicles to be removed from travelling through Hockering village centre.

The work would involve re-prioritisation and land purchase for road widening along the rout , the work to be phased over several years.

It was also agreed that the new road is reclassified from a C road to a B road.

Members of the planning and transportation committee have recommended and the cabinet agreed that a review of Mattishall roundabout is completed before a decision is made on whether to consult on a proposal to modify Berry's Lane.

When funding allows it is also proposed to look at possible improvements to the junctions with the A47 and the A1067 and the northern sections of the routes when cash is available.