Traffic queues up on the A11.

Work to dual the last remaining single carriageway section of the A11 will start in earnest in January, the government has confirmed.

Roads minister Stephen Hammond announced today that the £113m scheme will get underway in January next year, with previous statements having been rather more vague and saying it would commence between January and March.

The scheme will see 5.5 miles of the A11, between Thetford and the Fiveways roundabout near Barton Mills, widened and a new 3.6 mile bypass built around the village of Elveden.

Roads minister Norman Baker revealed last week that the Highways Agency was aiming to complete the long-awaited work by December 24.

Mr Hammond said today: “The start of construction in January shows our commitment to deliver much-needed improvements to the UK’s infrastructure now.

“The new bypass and widening of the A11 will bring significant benefits for the economy, road users, and local people, by improving road safety and removing the bottlenecks.”

Ahead of work starting, the Highways Agency is holding public information exhibitions at Elveden Village Hall. The exhibitions will be held on Thursday, 22 November from 3pm to 8pm, from 10am to 8pm on Friday, November 23 and on Saturday, November 24 from 10am to 3pm.

People will get the chance there to view the final plans for the scheme, find out more about the roadworks needed and how they can get journey planning advice during the works.

The Highways Agency’s project team and contractor, Birse Civils Ltd, will be on hand to provide more information and answer questions.

Preparatory work on the scheme, including ecological and archaeological work has been going on along the route of the road for some time.

During November and December, preparatory works will continue, including archaeological surveys, completion of the track upgrade on the Elveden Estate, construction of the site office and access improvements for vehicles.

The Highways Agency has warned some of that work will mean lane or carriageway closures on the existing A11.

To find out more about the scheme and the exhibitions visit www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/a11-fiveways-to-thetford-improvement or contact the project team by calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by emailing ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk