A MAJOR £6m scheme to strengthen and resurface over the next six months the A47 between Thorney Toll and Guyhirn gets under way in earnest on Monday after two weeks of preparatory work. With on average 16,000 vehicles a day using this section of the A47

A MAJOR £6m scheme to strengthen and resurface over the next six months the A47 between Thorney Toll and Guyhirn gets under way in earnest on Monday after two weeks of preparatory work.

"With on average 16,000 vehicles a day using this section of the A47, there will be delays, especially during peak hours," said Julian O'Dell, highways agency project manager.

"The advice to drivers is to allow extra time and to plan journeys."

Drivers using the A47 between Peterborough, King's Lynn and Norwich, particularly drivers of wide loads, are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to plan their routes in advance.

From Monday traffic lights will be in place 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, for the duration of the scheme. Overnight there will be a 10mph convoy escorting traffic through. To ensure the safety of drivers and the workforce a 40mph speed limit will also be in place.

Due to the width of the A47, which is a single carriageway, vehicles over 2.9 metres wide will not be able to travel through the works area. There will be a clearly signed diversion route via Spalding, which has been agreed with police and local authorities. This diversion route is an additional 48 miles long, using roads suitable for wide loads.

Mr O'Dell said: "To reduce disruption, work will be carried out at two locations along the site and the traffic signals will be co-ordinated to reduce the delays for drivers.

"We have worked closely with local authorities, the police and businesses to make sure as many people as possible know about this work.

"Our agents have also contacted hauliers to alert them to the width restriction during the work.