Work on A47/A11 Thickthorn junction could start in December

National Highways bosses say they are ready to go with the start of the revamp of the Thickthorn junction on the edge of Norwich.

They confirmed a new contractor has been selected to do the work at the roundabout where the A47 crosses the A11.

They also revealed the project has been completely redesigned and the costs brought down.

But that will mean a longer period of disruption for drivers than had been planned at one point, if the scheme does go ahead.

The Thickthorn roundabout (Image: Archant)

The future of the project, which could cost up to £100m, hinges on a government review.

It is one of a number of transport schemes which may be axed after Labour ministers said they had found a £22bn black hole in government finances.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh (Image: Press Association)

Transport secretary Louise Haigh announced the "internal review" of the Department for Transport's spending portfolio in July and the schemes for the chop should be known after this month's budget.

Matt Stafford, regional director for National Highways (Image: Dan Grimmer)

Matt Stafford, regional director for National Highways - the government company responsible for the A47 - revealed a contractor has been picked to do the work if the green light is given.

But he said proposals which would have seen the bulk of the huge project carried out in just nine days to avoid years of disruption had been scrapped.

Highways bosses had been looking at whether a new underpass at the junction could be constructed next to the road and then slid into position - reducing how long work would need to be done.

Br Mr Stafford said: "The cost of the 'box slide' method means that will not be happening.

"We have redesigned it and that will mean a different method of construction.

"It will take longer, but the impact of closing the A47 and the A11 for a period will be avoided.

"There will be a need for traffic management at Thickthorn, but we have been working closely with Norfolk County Council about that."

He said he hoped preparatory work could start in December, with the main work beginning next spring.

The plans for Thickthorn include a new slip road off the A11 northbound, to take traffic under both roads before rejoining traffic on the A47 heading towards Great Yarmouth - eliminating the need to use the roundabout.

Mr Stafford said he was not yet able to reveal the new contractor which would do the work.

Last summer, it was confirmed Galliford Try, which had been due to carry out the work would not be continuing with the scheme.

Galliford Try is still doing the A47 dualling work between Easton and North Tuddenham and from Blofield to North Burlingham.

All of the Norfolk A47 schemes have been hit by long delays.

Prime minister David Cameron announced £300m for improvements to the road in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire in 2014.

But development permission for the Norfolk schemes was not awarded until 2022.

And the start of work was further delayed when climate campaigner Dr Andrew Boswell challenged the legality of the government's decision.

Dr Andrew Boswell (Image: Dan Grimmer)

The former Green city and county councillor had said the government had acted unlawfully in not properly considering the cumulative carbon impact of the schemes.

His case was dismissed by the High Court and the Court of Appeal and he was not permitted to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

The A47 will be dualled between Easton and North Tuddenham (Image: Galliford Try)

Work to dual 5.5 miles between Easton and North Tuddenham and from Blofield to North Burlingham started this summer.