Gas pipes moving in West Norfolk
It's so a key new road can be built
Last updated 23rd Feb 2026
Two gas mains are due to be moved, so a key new road can be built in Norfolk, at a cost of £24.5m.
Work to start building the West Winch Access Road, which aims to cut congestion by creating a new link with the A47 and A11 south of King’s Lynn, has stalled due to the pipes.
Moving the high-pressure structures underground has added millions to the cost of the £109m project – which is vital to improve traffic before 4,000 homes are built in the area – threatening the viability of the scheme.
National Gas estimates for the work doubled, after the initial estimate in 2024.
But officials are now due to agree on covering the £24.5m needed to move the pipes, with funding from Homes England to help cover the majority of the cost increase.
Norfolk County Council says it is continuing to find ways to reduce costs.
Cabinet member for highways at Norfolk County Council, Councillor Graham Plant, said: “Earlier this month we had confirmation from National Gas Transmission that the £24.5m they quoted to us in autumn is now considered to be the upper limit for the cost of this work.
“We will continue to work with them to reduce the final costs but, in the meantime, we have enough certainty now to finalise an agreement with our partner Homes England for them to provide additional funding to cover the majority of this cost increase.
“It was vital to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible to avoid potentially lengthy and costly delays. Now that we’ve got this outcome, and with planning approval secured late last year, we’re in a good position to move this important infrastructure project for west Norfolk forward.”
On March 2, cabinet members will meet to discuss approving the realignment of the pipes.
Once agreed, the work could begin during the spring and will likely be finished by the beginning of the new year ahead of the new road being built.