Everything possible will be done to mitigate the effect of the road on the environment

David Jamieson

The two proposed schemes announced on Thursday are the Attleborough bypass and the Fiveways roundabout to Thetford.

The routes were chosen following public consultations held earlier this year.

The route will generally follow the line of the existing A11.

People living in the village of Elveden, who have long campaigned for a bypass, will get one north of the village removing the heavy lorries and congestion.

Mr Jamieson visited the development site on Thursday to see progress on the current work.

'Reduce congestion'

He said: "I am delighted to be here today to see this important scheme which will improve safety, reduce congestion and increase the reliability of journey times.

"I am also pleased that the improvements to the Attleborough bypass and the section of A11 between the Fiveways roundabout and Thetford have come a step closer today with the announcement of the preferred routes.

"I know these schemes will be welcomed by people locally.

"We are ever mindful of the local environment when promoting road improvements and these projects will be no exception.

"Everything possible will be done to mitigate the effect of the road on the environment."

Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment formally on the two schemes after the publication of more detailed plans.