A47

The UK’s Highways Agency is set to begin a new project to repair and maintain three bridges on the A47 in Norfolk.

Aimed at improving safety and reliability for road users, the scheme involves works on the A47 River Great Ouse, River Nar and Harbour Junction bridges between the A47/A17 Pullover roundabout and the A47/A10/A149 Hardwick roundabout.

The eight-week project includes the resurfacing of the bridge decks, as well as the replacement of the bridges’ joints and waterproofing.

Advance work on the scheme will begin on 9 June, while main repairs are scheduled to start on 21 June and will be carried out seven days a week.

Highways Agency project manager Ranjit Mistry said this work is aimed at prolonging the life of the bridges.

"This work will prolong the life of the bridges, which will maintain safe and reliable journeys on this route."

"Expansion joints do need replacing from time to time and the current waterproofing is coming to the end of its life; replacing it now and carrying out any necessary concrete repairs to the bridge reduces the need for future maintenance and the associated disruption to road users," Mistry said.

The Highways Agency said that a contraflow over two miles with 30mph speed restriction will be in place throughout the work in order to ensure the safety of the commuters. The reduced speed limit will be enforced by speed cameras.

Overnight closures in both directions will also be in place between 14 and 20 June, in order to install the temporary road layout.

Image: A47 near Norwich. Photo: courtesy of Ashley Dace.