WORK on the scheme to dual the A11 at Fiveways will begin in 2012, it has been confirmed today.

Mike Penning, the Government’s roads minister, confirmed the timetable for the �120 million scheme to widen the nine-mile stretch of road between Barton Mills and Thetford.

Work will start in the financial year 2012-2013.

“These schemes will deliver vital investment across the strategic road network, driving economic growth and boosting the UK economy,” Mr Penning said.

“They will also provide much-needed additional capacity - easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters.”

Campaigners have been fighting to have the notoriously dangerous stretch of the A11 widened for almost 40 years.

Although funding for the project was earmarked in the Government’s spending review last year, campaigners have been pushing for a firm date for work to start.

The project is one of three major improvement schemes to begin next year, including the M1 near Sheffield and the M6 around Birmingham.

It is hoped the work will reduce congestion, improving safety and journey times and providing a boost to the UK economy.

“For every pound invested on these schemes, on average, we will get back �7 of benefits to the economy with some delivering even higher returns,” Mr Penning said.

“Transport provides the crucial links that allow people and businesses to prosper and we will continue to invest in schemes that reduce congestion and support economic growth.”