The A47 is to be made into a dual carriageway between the A1 at Wansford and Sutton (Peterborough).

On Friday 17 February 2023, the A47 Wansford to Sutton application was granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper.

The decision means that the 1.6-mile section of the A47 from the A1 at Wansford to the Sutton roundabout near Peterborough will now be widened from one lane to form a dual carriageway.

A link road will adjoin the A1 southbound to the A47 eastbound, and it is expected that a path will be added for walking and cycling.

The Planning Inspectorate Tweeted:

NSIP decision: on Friday 17 February 2023, the A47 Wansford to Sutton application was granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.https://t.co/u8IYQdVOTw pic.twitter.com/FPflfqaKQq

— Planning Inspectorate (@PINSgov) February 17, 2023

Figures included in the proposal suggest that this development could prevent up to 160 accidents a year, preventing backlogs of traffic both causing and caused by major incidents.

An old disused station called "Wansford Road" is in the way of the A47 improvements, and was scheduled to be demolished to make way for the dual carriageway. 

A spokesperson for the group explained: "The Nene Valley Railway and neighbouring charity, Railworld Wildlife Haven, got together to work out a rescue plan for the beautiful old station. With fantastic support from National Highways, we've created a new charity 'The Wansford Road CIO' and are currently firming up on plans to carefully dismantle it and rebuild it on the south bank of the River Nene in Peterborough."

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