Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said eight schemes are being consulted on by Highways England and include:
- Widening of the A12 between Chelmsford and the A120 junction in Essex
- Improvements on the A428 between Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire and the Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire
- Six major improvement schemes, including junction and dualling, along the A47 route in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
Mr Grayling said: “The government is making a record investment to improve our motorways and major ‘A’ roads across the country to get motorists to their destinations more quickly, easily and safely.
“These vital schemes in the East of England will not only help relieve congestion, they will also link people with jobs and businesses with customers, helping boost the region’s economy and improving lives.”
Over the next few months public consultations will be held to give drivers, residents and businesses their chance to comment to ensure the best possible improvements are taken forward.
The first consultation, due to start next Monday (23 January), will be about an upgrade on the A12 between Chelmsford and the A120 junction in Essex.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan added: “These improvements are made possible by the Government’s £15 billion investment in our strategic roads. They are much needed by the half a million drivers who use them every day. Each scheme has been developed by working with local partners and through this consultation we are welcoming views on them. I encourage anyone with an interest in these roads – whether they drive on them, live near them or depend on them for trade – to get involved.”
The schemes to be consulted on are as follows:
| Scheme | Description | Expected Date |
| A12 Chelmsford to A120 widening | Widening of the A12 between Chelmsford and the A12/A120 junction in Essex | January 2017 |
| A428 Caxton Gibbet to Black Cat improvements | Improvements on the A428 between Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire and the Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire | March 2017 |
| A47 Wansford to Sutton dualling | Dualling of the A47 between the A1 and the dual carriageway section west of Peterborough | March 2017 |
| A47 Guyhirn junction improvements | Creation of a new, larger junction linking the A47 and A141 | March 2017 |
| A47 North Tuddenham to Easton dualling | Dualling of the single carriageway section of the A47 between Norwich and Dereham, linking together two existing sections of dual carriageway | March 2017 |
| A47/A11 Thickthorn junction improvements | Improvement of the interchange between A47 and A11, improving access into Norwich | March 2017 |
| A47 Blofield to North Burlingham dualling | Dualling of the A47 to fill a gap in the dual carriageway section between Norwich and the Acle Straight | March 2017 |
| A47/A12 junction improvements | Improvements to junctions throughout Great Yarmouth, including reconstruction of the Vauxhall roundabout | March 2017 |
