Norfolk County Council in the UK has appointed Costain to undertake the detailed design and construction of the West Winch Housing Access Road scheme near King’s Lynn.  

The project forms a central part of a wider £122m ($163m) development, aiming to support up to 4,000 new homes in the area identified as the West Winch Strategic Growth Area. 

The planned 1.5-mile road will connect the A47 with the existing A10 and, upon completion, is set to be incorporated as part of the A10 route.  

Costain’s contract covers not only the main carriageway, but also includes the addition of new roundabouts to serve residential zones, a cycle path adjacent to the road and dualling of just under one mile of the A47 trunk road. 

Detailed design work is scheduled to begin later this year, with construction due to start in 2027, following a period needed for major gas diversion works.  

The development is expected to benefit from UK Government and Homes England funding, pending final business case approval.  

Local authorities anticipate the new road will be operational before the initial occupation of homes in the growth area.  

Planning restrictions will prevent more than 300 houses from being accessed via the existing A10 prior to the new road opening. 

Costain will work in close cooperation with Norfolk County Council and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, the two main authorities supporting the scheme.  

The strategic growth area plan will also deliver employment opportunities, commercial outlets, health and education facilities, recreational areas, public open spaces and new transport provisions. 

Costain roads sector director Andy Denman said: “The West Winch Housing Access Road is an exciting project that will significantly improve people’s lives and help support the local economy. We’re looking forward to bringing constructability to the heart of the design to minimise risk and maximise efficiency, working closely with our supply chain partners to deliver this new road safely and efficiently.”