Full Breakdown
A11 Closure for Modular Bridge Installation at Thickthorn Junction
By Drooid · · How we work
Project Background and Objectives
The A11/A47 Thickthorn junction near Norwich is undergoing a £200 million upgrade that includes a new modular bridge. National Highways officials say the scheme, which began roughly 18 months ago, is designed to ease congestion by diverting about 12,000 vehicles from the roundabout each day. The bridge will be assembled from pre-fabricated sections and installed over the road during a weekend closure.
Technical Details and Timeline
Six 100-tonne, 38-metre beams were manufactured in Ireland, shipped across the Irish Sea to Liverpool, and then driven to Norfolk. A specialist crane capable of lifting up to 750 tonnes will position the beams onto the abutments. National Highways describes the construction method as “trailblazing.” The A11 will be fully closed in both directions between the Thickthorn junction and Wymondham from Friday evening (20:00 BST) until Monday morning (06:00 BST) to allow the bridge components to be connected.
Traffic Management and Diversions
All side roads onto the A11 within the closed stretch will be shut for the weekend. Signed diversion routes are in place for non-HGV traffic: northbound drivers are directed to exit the A11 at the Thetford Bypass, travel east via the A1066 to Diss, join the A140 north to Norwich, and then re-enter the A47 at the Norwich Southern Bypass. Southbound drivers exit at A140 Ipswich Road, head toward Diss, then via Needham Market and the A1066 toward Thetford. Separate routes for HGVs are provided because of weight restrictions on certain roads. Residents on Cantley Lane South will retain access, with traffic marshals escorting vehicles through the site.
Anticipated Impact
National Highways expects the new bridge and associated junction redesign to improve journey times and reduce traffic volumes on the roundabout, contributing to smoother regional travel. The weekend closure is intended to minimise overall disruption by concentrating the most complex work into a short, controlled period.