The UK’s Norfolk County Council has announced that the third and final phase of Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NNDR) has become operational.

Known as Broadland Northway, the NNDR is expected to reduce congestion across the city of Norwich, as well as enhance road connectivity across the county.

It will also improve access to North Norfolk and Norwich International Airport and provide better connectivity to Great Yarmouth.

The scheme, carried out by infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, included the delivery of a 20km dual carriageway with the construction of 13 roundabouts and eight bridges.

Balfour Beatty’s Highways business managing director Phil Clifton said: “We are delighted that the Broadland Northway is now open to traffic and the local community can experience the extensive benefits of the scheme.

“We are delighted that the Broadland Northway is now open to traffic and the local community can experience the extensive benefits of the scheme.”

“While the project was not without its challenges, we have deployed innovative solutions to safely deliver the route, which has created a positive legacy for the environment and the Norfolk community in the form of skills development and education for local young people.”

During the construction, the scheme also created 29 balancing ponds to store water run-off from the new road, as well as carried out various initiatives to support the environment.

Commenting on the Broadland Northway road, Norfolk County Council Environment, Development & Transport Committee chairman Martin Wilby said: “It is an important piece in Norfolk’s infrastructure jigsaw that will help secure a better, brighter and more prosperous future for Norfolk.”

In November 2015, Balfour Beatty won the contract to complete works on the Norwich Northern Distributor Road (NNDR).