Construction of the A47 dual carriageway in Norfolk.

Breedon Secures £250m A47 Dualling Contract, Boosting Norfolk Economy

A significant infrastructure project on the A47 is set to receive a major boost as Breedon, a national construction materials company with a strong Norfolk base, has been appointed as the surfacing contractor. The £250 million project will see a crucial stretch of the A47 dualled, with Breedon playing a key role in supplying and laying asphalt.

Key Takeaways

  • Breedon awarded surfacing contract for the £250m A47 dualling project between Norwich and Dereham.
  • The company will supply 195,000 tonnes of asphalt from its local Longwater plant.
  • Surfacing works are scheduled for completion by April 2027.
  • The project highlights the synergy between local capability and national strength in infrastructure development.

A Major Infrastructure Upgrade

The National Highways project focuses on creating 5.5 miles of new dual carriageway between North Tuddenham and Easton. Breedon’s involvement is critical to this upgrade, with their surfacing works slated for completion in April 2027. This development is part of a larger effort to improve connectivity and reduce journey times along the vital A47 corridor.

Localised Supply Chain Strength

A key aspect of Breedon’s appointment is the utilisation of its Longwater plant in Norwich. This facility, located just five miles from the project site, will supply all 195,000 tonnes of asphalt concrete required. This proximity not only streamlines logistics but also underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging local resources for major infrastructure initiatives.

Investment in Local Facilities

Earlier this year, Breedon completed a £3.5 million upgrade to its Norfolk facility. This investment has enhanced its capacity, allowing it to store up to 360 tonnes of products. The upgraded plant is now better equipped to support significant road and infrastructure projects across East Anglia, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to meeting regional demands.

Collaboration for Efficiency

Ed Thompson, Breedon’s surfacing solutions general manager for England and Wales, expressed pride in the company’s role. “We’re proud to be supporting Galliford Try and National Highways on such an important infrastructure project for the region,” he stated. Thompson highlighted the benefits of Breedon’s local presence, noting, “With our Longwater site so close to Tuddenham, this is a great example of how local capability combined with national strength can deliver projects more efficiently and sustainably.”

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