New bridge marks major milestone in the Thickthorn project
A new bridge is being erected over the A11.
Last updated 17th Sep 2026
National Highways say that an innovative new bridge marks the next step in their A47/A11Thickthorn junction improvements.
The junction at Norwich is being redeveloped and one of the key parts of the project is the new bridge over the A11, which will connect Cantley Lane South with Norwich Road in Hethersett.
The unique aspect of the bridge is that it has been built off site and transported to the site for rapid assembly. Over the next few days, a 750 tonne capacity crane will lift its six huge beams into place - each weighing 100 tonnes and 38 metres long.
Alistair Stout, project director for National Highways, said: “This is the first bridge on our road network to use this kind of modular design. Compared to traditional construction methods, this innovative approach allows more of the bridge to be manufactured off-site, which means we can build more quickly and efficiently, with less overall disruption to motorists, while also reducing future maintenance requirements.”
Mr Stout added: “We have been planning this for many months, doing major earthworks and strengthening the foundations that will support the new bridge.
“While there will be some disruption this weekend, we have minimised the closures of the A11 as much as we possibly can to ensure the safety of the workforce and motorists. We will reopen the road as soon as possible once the work is complete over the weekend. We thank motorists for their continued patience.”
A part of the Thickthorn project, two large underpasses will also be built underneath the A47 and A11 carriageways. Nation Highways say that the underpasses will provide a new free-flow link road which will reduce congestion. They believe it will remove around 12,000 vehicles from the roundabout each day.
When finished the project will facilitate improved access to Norwich Hospital and Norwich Research Park, as well as providing increased capacity for future traffic growth, and improving this important trade route to the eastern ports. The work is also crucial for nearby housing developments in Cringleford and Wymondham where more than 3,000 homes are being built.
The Thickthorn project is set for completion by spring 2028.