Blogger: Erica Howe, Communications Manager
The RSPB today welcomes the decision by the Secretaries of State for Transport and Communities and Local Government to proceed with the dualling of the A11 between the Fiveways roundabout in Suffolk and the southern roundabout of the Thetford bypass in Norfolk.
The decision reflects a positive outcome for the region's internationally important wildlife in the Brecks and the improved road safety and travel links that the development will bring.
John Sharpe, Conservation Manager for the RSPB in Eastern England said: "This is a great opportunity to highlight how much work has gone into the proposal for this development, whilst also demonstrating how major road infrastructure needn't compromise our precious environment."
The RSPB, along with Natural England, worked closely with the Highways Agency to ensure that this much needed road improvement didn't harm any of the important wildlife in the Brecks, such as, stone-curlews, nightjars and woodlarks along the route.
John continued: "The close work between the organisations, enabled us to withdraw our objection before the public inquiry because we were satisfied that the Highways Agency would do works to effectively offset the predicted environmental impacts.
"The inspectors report and the decision made by the Secretaries of State is a milestone that all organisations involved should be proud to have reached."