A47 Alliance Newsletter
Newsletter 01 March 2017
Welcome This is the first edition of our A47 Alliance newsletter, to provide updates on the activities of the A47 Alliance. In This Issue Our aim The A47 Alliance was established in 2004. Currently there are Funded schemes 75 members of the A47 Alliance. These members are Our priorities businesses, local authorities and MPs from Cambridgeshire, Highways England Peterborough, Norfolk and Suffolk. Working together to secure Consultation investment to fund further improvements to the A47. Contact us
Our programme of improvements will help to transform the 115 miles of A47 into a strategic link, boosting the economic development of the east of England.
A47 Alliance Chair and Vice Chair In March 2017 the A47 Alliance elected its leadership for the coming year. Cllr Martin Wilby was elected as Chairman and Cllr Graham Plant was elected as Vice-Chairman. Both are passionate about improving the A47, their joint Cllr Wilby, Brandon Lewis MP and Cllr Plant leadership will drive the A47 Alliance forward meet in Great Yarmouth during the next round of lobbying.
“The A47 is a major route that connects our region to the Midlands and the North, it’s vital that we maintain pressure on getting the road improved. The A47 Alliance is pleased to see progress on our funded schemes. And we will continue to press for further A47 improvements in Great Yarmouth and along the A47.” - Cllr Graham Plant, Vice Chairman of the A47 Alliance and Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council Necton A47 Junction
Our Aim
To achieve full dualling of the A47, through Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Funded Schemes Highways England In 2014 the A47 Alliance secured commitment from estimate that these government for over £300m to improve the A47. Highways schemes will reduce England will deliver these schemes over the coming years. congestion and These schemes are: contribute to a 40% reduction in road traffic A47/A11 Thickthorn Junction Improvements, Norfolk accidents. Acle Straight Safety Improvements, Norfolk Blofield to North Burlingham Dualling, Norfolk Great Yarmouth Junction Improvements - Vauxhall, Gapton, Bridge Road and James Paget Hospital junctions, Norfolk We hope to Guyhirn Junction Improvement, Cambridgeshire increase the North Tuddenham to Easton Dualling, Norfolk connectivity of the Wansford to Sutton Dualling, Cambridgeshire East. To improve access for residents, visitors and Timeline of Activity for Funded Schemes businesses. Completed March 2017 - Renumbering of the A12 as the A47, from Click here to Great Yarmouth to Lowestoft, was completed. Which has keep up to date improved the continuity of the A47. with Highways Current England Highways England are undertaking a snail migration trial, to progress. relocate the protected Little Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail Colony. If successful this will support the delivery of future improvements to the Acle Straight.
March - April 2017 - Public consultation on the funded schemes commenced.
Upcoming 2017 - Highways England are scheduled to commence the Acle Straight safety improvements works. 2020 - Construction of the funded schemes is expected to commence. Junction along the A47
Our Priorities At its meeting on 3rd March 2017, the A47 Alliance agreed its priorities for A47 improvements from 2020 to 2025. The A47 Alliance will continue lobbying to government with the aim of securing government funding for these priorities.
The agreed priorities are:
Acle Straight Dualling, Norfolk Tilney to East Winch Dualling, Norfolk Guyhirn to Wisbech Dualling, Cambridgeshire Junction improvements at: A1101 Elm High Roundabout and B198 East and West, Cambridgeshire Eye Roundabout Improvement Scheme, Peterborough Junction 15 and Junction 18 Improvement Scheme, Peterborough
If government commits to funding these schemes, construction could commence between 2020 and 2025.
We will continue to work on business cases for the remaining schemes along the A47, in order to meet our goal of full dualling of the A47. Let us know your views on Upcoming Activities our priorities click here to contact The A47 Alliance will be commencing us. the lobbying campaign some upcoming events are:
Business Breakfast Meeting with MPs Presenting the case of improvements to the Transport Minister.
Look out for news about these events and how you can help to support our campaign.
“These improvements are crucial to improve the A47. It is a major route across East Anglia and for too long businesses, residents and visitors have had to put up with an inadequate, unreliable route.” - Cllr Martin Wilby, Chairman of the A47 Alliance and Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Acle Straight Economy Development and Transport Committee
Highways England Public Consultation Highways England public consultation is running from 13th March 2017 until 21 April 2017. This is to consult all on the plans for the improvements to the 6 funded schemes along the A47. You can have your say by visiting Highways England at the events below or have your say online, to find out more information click here.
Upcoming Events Guyhirn Junction Improvement Consultation 16th March, Wisbech St Mary’s Community Centre, 3-8 17th March, Guyhirn Village Hall, 10-5 18th March, Wisbech St Mary’s Community Centre, 10-2
Great Yarmouth Junction Improvements Consultation Contact Us 18th March, King’s Centre, 10-2 th Keep up to date with our 20 March, Town Hall, 10-5 progress at: 22nd March, King’s Centre, 3-8 www.a47alliance.co.uk Wansford to Sutton Dualling Consultation 23rd March, Haycock Hotel, 3-8 Email: [email protected] 24th March, Sutton Church, 10-5 25th March, Sacrewell Farm Centre, 10-2 Follow Us Thickthorn Junction Improvements Consultation 25th March, Willow Centre Cringleford, 10-2 A47 Alliance 27th March, Jubilee Youth Club Hethersett, 3-8 28th March, Willow Centre Cringleford, 3-8 @a47alliance, #a47 Blofield to North Burlingham Dualling Consultation 29th March, Lingwood, 10-5 31st March, Blofield, 10-5 1st April, Lingwood, 10-2
North Tuddenham to Easton Dualling Consultation 6th April, Honningham, 3-8 7th April, Hockering, 10-5 8th April , Easton, 1-4 Click here for more information.