A MAJOR scheme to widen the A11 between Barton Mills and Thetford has been given the go-ahead after completing its final planning stages.

Roads minister Mike Penning today confirmed funding for the �120 million improvement to dual the final nine-mile stretch of the road.

“The Government is committed to delivering transport projects which improve journeys and help economic growth so I am pleased to announce that this vital scheme has completed its final planning stages and can now proceed to construction,” he said.

Campaigners have been battling to dual the notoriously dangerous stretch of the route for almost 40 years.

The scheme, thought to be worth almost �600m to the local economy, would improve safety, capacity and journey times along the A11, as well as improving the quality of life for people living in Elveden.

Funding for the project was earmarked in the Government’s spending review in October last year but was subject to completion of planning and order-making processes.

The scheme has now been given the green light after the Minister accepted the scheme orders should be made after an independent inspector’s recommendation following a public inquiry.

“When complete, a nine mile stretch of the busy A11 between Fiveways roundabout and Thetford will be widened - completing the missing link of dual carriageway between Norwich and M11,” Mr Penning added.

“This scheme has very high levels of public support.

“Road users will benefit from reduced congestion, faster, more reliable journeys and improved safety on the route which is a major link between the East of England and London.”

Currently, Norwich is the largest city in the UK not linked to the rest of the country by dual carriageway.

As well as completing the dualling of the A11 between the M11 and Norwich, a bypass will be provided for the village of Elveden.

Construction is set to start on the scheme by 2015.