A colony of voles on one of Norfolk’s busiest highways has settled into a new life after relocation as an important road scheme enters its second year of construction – and work commences on the new River Tud road crossing.

National Highways is on track on a huge project to dual the busy A47 from Tuddenham to Easton, to improve safety, ease congestion and boost the economy in Norwich.

It’s a project not only delivering for 30,000  motorists who use the road daily, and the local community, but for the environment too. Along with creating five new wetlands, National Highways, aided by team of ecologists, has successfully relocated some rare voles into a new, dedicated wildlife haven.

Chris Griffin is leading the project on behalf of National Highways.

“We are almost one year on in this project and we are on time and progressing well.

“This is an innovative, modern project – it was clear the area needed a better road provision, not only to ease congestion but also to improve safety. 

“It was also essential that we created a scheme not only fit for purpose but also one where we minimise the impact on on the environment too – it’s great to see the new wildlife havens that have been created are thriving already. But for a project there is lots more to do.”

Due to the proximity of an existing habitat for water voles a new “home” had to be created for the voles. This included creating new reed margins for the voles for food and protection and improved riverbanks for nesting. The new haven has the abundance of both. As well as the relocation of these mammals, National Highways is also planting 14,000 trees, creating nine miles of new walking and cycling routes, installing 70 bat boxes and 7 barn owl boxes. It has also created an artificial badger sett.

The North Tuddenham to Easton section of the A47 connects key economic growth areas of Norwich. The current road, which will be retained with a new dual carriageway created, is unable to cope with the high traffic volume and there are limited opportunities to overtake slower moving vehicles on this single carriageway.

The dualling will look to address these issues, supporting economic growth and easing congestion in the area.

The scheme will also create two junctions with 8 new bridges. Because of these additions to the side roads, the Easton roundabout will be removed. These improvements will better connect side roads into the new dual carriageway. Many of these new structures are nearing completion with the River Tud bridge the latest to commence.

Ondrej Humplik, Director of the Tuddenham to Easton stretch of the A47 project for Galliford Try said: 

“The A47 North Tuddenham to Easton project represents a benchmark for how modern infrastructure should be delivered. By easing congestion and cutting journey times, this scheme will not only improve day-to-day travel for thousands of road users, but, crucially, will make the road safer for all who use it. Beyond the immediate transport benefits, our vision is to create a long-term positive impact for the region. Through investment in social value initiatives, support for local businesses, providing employment opportunities for the local community and a strong focus in upskilling local people, we are committed to leaving behind a legacy that extends well beyond the completion of the road itself. This is about building infrastructure that strengthens communities as well as connectivity.”

(Pic: National Highways)