IT is a sight that will bring joy to thousands of frustrated drivers.

After years of misery, advance work on the long-awaited dualling of the A11 in Suffolk is now well underway.

The Highways Agency, who is preparing a nine-mile stretch between Fiveways roundabout in Suffolk and Thetford for construction of the dual carriageway, revealed yesterday that they are on track to start building in January.

Project manager Rob Gibson, who said the Agency is working towards a completion date of December 2014, claimed that the �134million project will “bring a significant boost to the economy, reduce congestion and improve road safety.”

He added: “The work we are carrying out during November allows us to continue to prepare the site ahead of the main construction work.

“These activities all require overnight closures so we ask drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and follow any clearly signed diversion routes.”

Mr Gibson said fencing and environmental works on the banks of the River Lark, ahead of the bridge construction has also been completed.

“We have also constructed or resurfaced a significant proportion of the Elveden estates’ access tracks and these will be completed in line with Elveden’s busy harvesting schedules.”

But the photograph, which was taken by pilot Mike Page, of the A11 at Elveden, surrounded by Thetford Forest, shows clearly how fast work is proceeding.

The EADT reported last week how archaeological work, which began in mid-August near How Hill Tumulus and between Chalk Hall Farm and the B1106, has unearthed flint workings from primitive tools dating back to 4,000BC as well as evidence of settlements dating back to 1,500BC.

N. The Highways Agency is holding a public information exhibition at Elveden Village Hall, Elveden Village, Norfolk, IP24 3TJ, on Thursday 22 November 3pm to 8pm, Friday 23 November 10am to 8pm and Saturday 24 November 10am to 3pm.

The Highways Agency’s project team and contractor, Birse Civils Ltd, will be on hand to provide more information and answer questions.