10 June 2022
Necton A47 Junction

In the wake of another serious accident, I have been contacted by another wave of concerned constituents over the past couple of weeks – once again asking what more can be done to improve safety at the dangerous Necton/Dunham junction on the A47.

Having now been the local MP for over twelve years, and used the junction in question countless times throughout that period, I am all too familiar with the infamous reputation this location has locally.

That’s why, over the years, I have repeatedly raised the problem that is the junction with National Highways (previously Highways England) to see what more can be done to improve safety. 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 conduct an official study of the junction and its safety.

While the pandemic inevitably impacted on the work that followed that study, I am delighted to be able to report that, having spoken to the National Highways team again earlier this week, work is actively ongoing with the local Parish Council and district and county councillors as National Highways look to develop a scheme for additional safety improvements.

That scheme is currently in the detailed design stage with construction due to commence next year. National Highways are also planning other safety measures on the wider stretch around the junction (between Fransham and Swaffham) which will be built in the next roads investment period (2025-2030) but which are being designed now.

Furthermore, 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 is set to take place later this year and additional measures will be implemented if required.

Rest assured, I will continue to follow developments closely.

 

(To see more on some of my previous work on this issue, please click here and here