Work on a new £47m bypass in Norfolk is now "fully under way" along miles of its planned route.

Norfolk County Council has said the Long Stratton Bypass is "on track" to open at the end of next year after several months of construction.

The new bypass will stretch to the east of Long Stratton, starting at a new roundabout junction at Church Lane to the north and re-joining the existing A140 near Oakside Farm to the south.

The ground along the 2.4 mile route is currently being compacted ahead of the building of new overpasses and roundabouts early next year, according to Norfolk County Council. 

Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, said: "I am absolutely thrilled on behalf of South Norfolk residents and the whole of Norfolk that the long awaited bypass is now fully under way.

"This is a generational achievement which will bring far reaching benefits and I look forward to seeing it become a reality."

An artist's impression of how the Long Stratton Bypass would lookAn artist's impression of how the Long Stratton Bypass would look (Image: Norfolk County Council)

READ MORE: Third time clucky? Farm revises bid to convert former poultry barn into housing

The road is estimated to cost a total of £47m and will be funded by a £14.5m commitment from the Greater Norwich Growth Board, local developer contributions and the Community Infrastructure Levy - a charge on developers.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2025.