Topic Projects
Date 27 Aug 2026
Galliford Try has celebrated the opening of a new bridge as part of the final stages of construction of the A47 Blofield to North Burlingham dualling scheme in Norfolk.
‘Knights Bridge’ was unveiled to honour a local woman Valerie Knights who campaigned tirelessly for road safety measures and would often come to the aid of stricken motorists along the A47 near North Burlingham. She was made an MBE for her voluntary work and dedication to her village in 1994.
Members of the Knights family were in attendance to mark the occasion and unveil a plaque in honour of Mrs Knights, alongside community figures, representatives from Norfolk County Council and Shadow Minister for Transport, Jerome Mayhew.
Delivered on behalf of National Highways, the project to dual the Blofield to North Burlingham stretch of the A47 in Norfolk will not only improve safety but also boost the local economy.
As well as the new bridge between the villages of Blofield and North Burlingham, the B1140 junction has been changed, with a new two-tier junction connecting B1140 South Walsham Road (north of the A47) with B1140 Coxhill Road (south of the A47).
The opening marks the culmination of extensive collaboration between Galliford Try, supply chain partners and National Highways.
Matt Mosley, Operations Director for Galliford Try Infrastructure, who attended the event said: “The opening of Knights Bridge is a proud and poignant moment, honouring the memory of an extraordinary woman whose legacy will live on at the heart of the local community. Reaching this milestone reflects years of commitment, teamwork, and determination from everyone involved in delivering this project. I am immensely proud of what’s been accomplished together; leaving behind a more resilient and much safer road network for Norfolk.”
Jerome Mayhew, MP, said: “It will be a huge relief for local residents to see the new dual carriageway open, relieving congestion and tackling some of the safety concerns of the old road. Better road connections help our economy to grow and supports local businesses”.
Chris Griffin, A47 Programme Lead for National Highways, commented: “Mrs Knights was a remarkable lady who, as a volunteer, selflessly came to the aid of motorists involved in collisions on this stretch of the A47 when it was a single lane road. She campaigned for greater safety on this stretch of road, and I know she would have been delighted to see the completion of the new dualling.”