Drivers in East Anglia will benefit from reduced congestion following a 15km upgrade of the A11, which was formally opened by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin on Friday.

The £105M improvement, on what is a key route to Norwich between the Fiveways roundabout and Thetford, involved widening 9km of the A11 and building a new 6km bypass around the village of Elveden.

Balfour Beatty was the main contractor for the works, which were carried out over almost two years and included construction of five bridges. Mouchel was the designer and Atkins the client supervisor.

Highways Agency chief executive Graham Dalton said: “The work to dual the A11 has been an enormous task and the project team has worked tirelessly to complete a high quality dual carriageway between Norwich, London and the Midlands.”

The project is expected to bring a significant boost to the economy, reduce congestion and improve road safety.

“The opening of the A11 is another crucial part of ensuring Suffolk and the East of England has a modern infrastructure network that meets the demands of modern business,” said Suffolk Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Dugmore.

Norfolk County Council leader George Nobbs said: “Despite enjoying the beauty of our county, many tourists had their experience marred by a delayed journey getting into or out of the county.

“And, of course, there were too many lives being lost or ruined by collisions on the single carriageway stretch.”

(Photo: Balfour Beatty)