The A47 between Blofield and North Burlingham in Norfolk is set to open as a dual carriageway, cutting congestion and improving safety along the 2.6-mile route. Only local road surfacing, cycle ways and landscaping remain to complete the £100 million scheme.
Two lanes where one once ran
National Highways has replaced the previous single-lane carriageway with a two-lane dual carriageway. This provides a higher-capacity route between the villages, designed to reduce delays and enhance safety for all road users.
Knights Bridge commemorates a local safety campaigner
The new bridge linking Blofield and North Burlingham has been named "Knights Bridge" in memory of Valerie Knights. She was known for assisting motorists involved in collisions on this stretch before its upgrade. National Highways project lead Chris Griffin said Valerie Knights helped over 100 people and campaigned for improvements on the road.
Knights’ family attended the bridge signage unveiling. Her daughter, Carol Charles, described it as a special honour for a woman who quietly supported her community. Broadland MP Jerome Mayhew commented that the dual carriageway will ease congestion and address safety concerns that previously affected local residents.
Junction upgrades and new cycle paths
Safety improvements at the Yarmouth Road junction have closed the right turn on to the A47 and added a dedicated lane for smoother joining traffic. The B1140 junction has also been upgraded to a new two-tier interchange connecting South Walsham Road and Coxhill Road either side of the A47.
Dedicated cycle paths now link North Burlingham and Blofield, promoting safer routes for cyclists. National Highways has committed to no net loss of habitats, planning a 40 per cent net biodiversity gain with new hedgerows, woodland, scrub and grassland planted to support badgers and reptiles.
Community investment alongside infrastructure
The scheme’s designated funds have contributed over £300,000 to local groups. Investments include new playgrounds and a garden supporting dementia patients.
Valerie Knights’ lasting impact
Mrs Knights lived in North Burlingham and campaigned for road safety throughout her life. In 1978 she founded Acle Voluntary Aid (AVA), inspired by the Glaven Care Scheme. AVA volunteers provided crisis care, including night sitting, shopping and transport assistance, as well as daycare and lunch clubs at Acle Methodist Church.
AVA received awards from Whitbread, Great Yarmouth’s Rotary Club and Age Concern. In 1994, Valerie Knights was appointed MBE for her community work.
More information on the A47 Blofield project is available on the scheme’s web page maintained by National Highways.
