GHD expands transport work with Galliford Try on A47 improvement

GHD’s UK Transport team is contributing highways and temporary works input to the A47 North Tuddenham to Easton scheme in Norfolk, working alongside Galliford Try for National Highways. With the scheme now moving into active delivery, our early engagement allows design decisions to keep pace with the construction programme. 

Work on the A47 is focused on the North Tuddenham and Easton section, where the route is being converted to a dual-carriageway standard. This will close the remaining gap between Norwich and Dereham, aiming to reduce delay on the corridor and improve journey reliability. 

Following a period of delay, the project has now moved into full construction. Our work centres on producing buildable highways and temporary works information that is practical for delivery teams and responsive to stakeholder review requirements. 

Buildability first: Design that works on site 

We are providing highways and temporary works input focused on buildability, safety, approvals interfaces and practical construction sequencing. Key contributions include:

• Early innovation and value engineering across crossover locations and temporary works interfaces

• Alignment and level optimisation to reduce unnecessary changes in temporary profiles and limit additional retaining structures on earthworks where feasible

• Materials and supply-chain engagement, including options for recycled materials where appropriate

• Coordinated design packs for each location, with technical responses during stakeholder review 

Proven approaches from highways and infrastructure delivery 

The A47 approach draws on programmes where temporary works interfaces, stakeholder engagement and live network constraints shaped delivery from day one. Relevant examples include: 

• Havant Thicket Reservoir, where early investigation and modelling informed alignment and earthworks decisions and enabled efficient material use 

• A140 access road and junction works, involving engagement through design, construction and statutory processes 

• A223 haul road works, enabling construction access while maintaining safe routes on the surrounding public highway network 

As works move forward, we will continue working alongside Galliford Try and the wider team, keeping design outputs aligned with delivery needs and review processes. Mark Wildin, Infrastructure Team Lead, says, “Our role on the A47 is focused on making sure designs work in practice, not just on paper. By engaging early and working closely with Galliford Try’s site team, we’re helping to deliver highways and temporary works solutions that are buildable, safe and aligned with the construction programme, supporting smooth delivery as the scheme moves through the construction phase.” 

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.