RESIDENTS will be able to take a virtual drive along a fully dualled A11 between the Fiveways Roundabout at Barton Mills and Thetford at a series of local exhibitions.
Representatives of the Highways Agency will be at Barton Mills, Mildenhall and Elveden to display its plans for the last remaining single stretch of carriageway which has been labelled one of the most treacherous roads in East Anglia.
Last week, t
ransport secretary Ruth Kelly said that work on the £135 million project to dual the road could start in 2010 after the East of England Regional Assembly's transport panel made the improvements to the road its top priority.
In a letter to local MP Richard Spring, Mrs Kelly said: "I can confirm that, providing there is no undue delay to the statutory processes, a scheme start date of late 2010 is still achievable. We are all agreed on the importance of keeping 2010 on the table."
Mr Spring said he welcomed the minister's assurances."This is very promising and constructive news and reflects the understanding of the crucial importance of getting the A11 between the Fiveways Roundabout and Thetford dualled.
"Everybody in Westminster and East Anglia is now committed to ensuring a 2010 start date and I will continue to ensure that the earlier start date is adhered to.
"However, I am delighted by the letter which indicates a new and fresh commitment to get the dualling started as soon as possible."
Local residents and road users can view the plans tomorrow from 1pm to 8pm at Barton Mills Village Hall; on Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Elveden Village Hall and on Wednesday from 10am to 8pm at the Dome Leisure Centre in Mildenhall.
Roger Hawkins, project manager for the Highways Agency, added: "We are inviting people to see how the proposed dual carriageway would significantly contribute to improving journey time, reliability and ease congestion."
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