The Barton Mills to Thetford stretch of the A11 dualling was finally opened today. Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin performed the opening ceremony, which was attended by business leaders from Norfolk and Suffolk, together with local MPs.
Campaigning for the dualling of the A11 started 30 years ago in 1984 and today the hard work by both Norfolk & Suffolk Chambers, the business community and the local authorities and MPs paid off with the opening of the newly dualled section ahead of time and ahead of budget.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce:
“The Norfolk Chamber network is known for its tenacious nature and today we see the result of many years of lobbying. The A11 dual carriageway is not just a road but a symbol that Norfolk is very much open for business. £600 million is the figure estimated to be delivered in economic benefits due to the improved connectivity which the A11 will bring. All sectors across Norfolk will benefit enabling new jobs, housing and business investment. This is a great day for Norfolk but is very much the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end”
Also commenting on the opening of the A11, Ian Hacon, Founder, Yellowbrick Road Solutions Ltd said: “The completion of the dual carriage between Norwich and Cambridge represented a major milestone in the previously neglected Norfolk Infrastructure. The reduction in journey times to both Cambridge and London and will be major economic driver for the whole country, in particular along the A11 corridor in places like Thetford. For us as a new start business in the east of the county with Cambridge and London as key markets for our services, this improvement will make access to these markets much easier, cheaper and journey times more certain.”
Whilst the A11 was a much needed improvement, Phil Harris, Managing Director, Norcom Technology Ltd commented that there was still more work to be done. He said: “With the opening of the A11, Norfolk will no longer be seen as a ‘sleepy back water’ which is difficult to get to. It clearly sends out a message that Norfolk is open for business. Improvements to Norfolk infrastructure should not stop here. A reliable and upgraded rail improvements is still badly needed, road improvement from Great Yarmouth are vital with the expansion of the offshore renewable sector and all areas in Norfolk need superfast broadband to be part of the digital age.”
Jonathan Cage, Managing Director, Create Consulting Engineers Ltd highlighted the opportunities that Norfolk businesses need to take advantage of. “Norfolk today finally gets taken off the life support system, with its main artery being connected to the rest of the transport network, the business community now needs to get into urgent training to make the most of this significant upgrade in our health and wellbeing, ensuring that we not only win future sprints, but also compete both nationally and internationally on the marathon circuit.”
