Rare voles relocated during Norfolk A47 upgrades - National Highways

A colony of rare voles have been relocated as part of on-going efforts to upgrade the A47- says National Highways.

The dualling of this A road- between Tuddenham to Easton- is one year underway and will be completed by Spring 2027.

The project is on-schedule and promises to improve safety, ease congestion and help deliver economy growth to Norwich.

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.

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 or 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.”

• All Archaeology works completed

• 50% of all earthworks completed

• Bridges – 3 completed, 4 under construction, 1 to commence

• 5km of drainage installed

• Environmental mitigation work, including building a new badger sett, new water vole homes, bat and bird box installation

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.”