NINE weeks of A47 closures to allow FOUR speed cameras to be fitted on Acle Straight
Parts of the A47 will have to close while the work is carried out on the notorious stretch, where the speed limit is being reduced from 60mph to 50mph.[1] National Highways, the government company responsible for the road, has warned that the closures will affect not only the Acle Straight itself, but other parts of the A47. The road will be shut from 8pm until 6am on certain weeknights, with drivers facing a 25 mile diversion.
A spokesman for National Highways said: "This location was chosen based on collision and risk assessment data. "This scheme aims to improve safety for all road users by reducing the number of people harmed on this route. "We are not responsible for the enforcement of speed limits, that responsibility lies with the relevant police force.
"During the first week, we are combining our planned road closures with those needed for the nearby A47 Blofield to North Burlingham project[2], to reduce the amount of roadworks and disruption to road users." 
READ MORE: Residents on the Acle Straight stretch speak about safety[3] 
Cutting the limit to 50mph will add just under a minute and a half to journeys along the road. Consultation over the reduced limit took place last year. A National Highways spokesman said: "We engaged with key stakeholders during September 2024 and subsequently in November 2024 as part of the statutory notice period for the speed limit order process.
"We received letters from our customers which have been reviewed and considered as part of the statutory process. "Safety is our number one priority, and we committed to deliver this package of work to improve safety for the users of the A47." 
Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, previously said he understood why the limit was being cut. He said: "Because this is about putting in safety measures, I have to go along with it. "But I am not happy about it, because the answer to the problems with the Acle Straight is to make it a dual carriageway, rather than reducing the speed.
"I think is going to be unpopular. Businesses will be affected, as will people trying to get to work. "The overall answer is the dualling we have been pushing for, for years and which we will keep banging the drum for."
READ MORE: A47 Acle Straight snail study results to be revealed at last[4] What are the diversions? To carry out the work safely, National Highways needs to close the A47 and divert traffic as follows:
Monday, March 17 to Friday, March 21 (overnight 8pm to 6am) 
Traffic travelling eastbound on the A47 towards Great Yarmouth will exit the A47 at Trowse Interchange onto the A146 southbound. Continue on the A146 to the A143. Follow the A143 northbound towards Bradwell.
Exit the A143 and rejoin the A47. Traffic travelling westbound on the A47 will need to follow the same diversion as above, but in reverse. Monday, March 24 to mid-May (overnight 8pm to 6am)
The A47 will be shut from the Acle Roundabout to Runham Roundabout in Great Yarmouth Traffic travelling eastbound on the A47 towards Great Yarmouth will exit the A47 at Trowse Interchange onto the A146 southbound. Continue on the A146 to the A143.
Follow the A143 northbound towards Bradwell. Exit the A143 and rejoin the A47. Traffic travelling westbound on the A47 will need to follow the same diversion as above, but in reverse.
Laybys between Acle Roundabout and Runham Roundabout along the A47 will be closed during the work.
References
- ^ is being reduced from 60mph to 50mph. (www.edp24.co.uk)
- ^ A47 Blofield to North Burlingham project (www.edp24.co.uk)
- ^ READ MORE: Residents on the Acle Straight stretch speak about safety (www.edp24.co.uk)
- ^ READ MORE: A47 Acle Straight snail study results to be revealed at last (www.edp24.co.uk)