Motorists are urged to be cautious on the new road layout

The scheme to widen the section of the highway, which stretches from Cambridge past Newmarket in Suffolk to Norwich, cost �42m and took nearly two years to complete.

Welcoming the new road on Wednesday, Transport Minister John Spellar, said: "It will greatly improve the safety of the area, and in particular this section of the A11 which previously has had a poor accident record.

"It will reduce congestion and increase the reliability of journey times between Cambridge and Norwich."

Environmental impact

Bill Wadrup, divisional director of the Highways Agency, said: "An important part of the contract has been the extensive planting and screening together with the new habitats provided for local wildlife."

He said recycling was important to the project and the old carriageway materials were crushed and re-used as foundation for some sections of the new road.

With the opening of the new dual carriageway, the speed limit will revert to 70 mph although a 40 mph speed limit will remain on side roads until all work is complete.

Motorists are advised that there may be occasional lane closures during off-peak hours or overnight while finishing work takes place alongside the carriageway.

Caution urged

Paul Rush, road policing inspector of Norfolk Constabulary said: "I would urge drivers to exercise caution whilst getting used to the new layout of the road and junctions.

"Local traffic must be aware that it is no longer possible to turn right on to or off the A11 - all manoeuvres onto the new dual carriageway road are carried out by turning left."

The design and build contract was awarded to May Gurney of Norwich in March 2001, and work started on site in May 2001.

The remaining two sections of the A11 to be dualled between Stump Cross in Cambridgeshire and Norwich are the A11 Attleborough bypass and the Fiveways roundabout to Thetford section.