As a regular user of the A47 throughout my time as the local MP for Mid Norfolk, I have long been aware of widespread concerns about safety at the A47 Necton/Dunham junction.

That’s why, alongside my ongoing efforts to support communities in the Necton area on the Vattenfall/Offshore Wind Infrastructure issues (see more here), I have been very vocal about the need to look again at this hazardous junction and ensure that National Highways take appropriate steps to boost safety standards at that location.

Various meetings have taken place on site and virtually and, back in 2018/19, the local Parish Council, district and county councillors and I managed to get National Highways to commit to an official study of the junction and its safety – which was indeed undertaken and completed.

Inevitably, the pandemic impacted the work that followed that study, with delays being encountered. However, when I checked with National Highways last year, it was explained to me that the junction had not been forgotten and that their teams were continuing to work with the Parish Council and local councillors as they were developing a scheme for additional safety improvement. The hope was that construction would begin this year (2023) and National Highways went on to highlight that they were planning other safety improvements along the wider stretch of road around the junction too, which they aimed to have completed in the next roads investment period (2025-2030), but which are being designed now.

National Highways also explained that, when the nearby petrol station was completed a few years ago, audits were completed before and after – with a series of alterations made around the petrol station entrance and the Necton/Dunham junction. A further audit was set to take place in the autumn, with additional measures being implemented if required.

Now in 2023, I am following up with National Highways to get the very latest updates on this work. I understand that, for many in our area, this junction is a real concern and, having witnessed several near-misses myself (and heard of countless more anecdotally), I am determined to do all I can to shine a light on this issue and ensure that works are delivered as soon as possible.

I look forward to providing further updates on my website in due course.

To learn more about some of my historic work on this, please click here.