Work to pave the way for the dualling of two sections of the A47 in Norfolk is under way - and a road has been temporarily shut as part of the multi-million-pound project.

Signs have been placed on the road saying work has begun and will continue for the next two years, while hundreds of cones have been placed in fields.

Norwich Evening News: Signs on the A47 say work will last for two yearsSigns on the A47 say work will last for two years (Image: Denise Bradley)

National Highways bosses have clarified the work where the road is due to be dualled - between Blofield and North Burlingham and from Easton to North Tuddenham - is preparatory work, ahead of full-blown construction.

The work includes moving utilities pipes, clearing ground, archaeological surveys and putting up fences.

Norwich Evening News: Cones in fields next to the A47Cones in fields next to the A47 (Image: Denise Bradley)

At Blofield, Yarmouth Road has temporarily shut until the end of the month so vegetation can be cleared.

That is so people who use nearby allotments will still be able to gain access when Waterlow is shut when the full-blown dualling work is done.

On the stretch due to be dualled between North Tuddenham and Easton, work is being done to the entrance of a field near Honingham roundabout.

Norwich Evening News: The A47 between Easton and North TuddenhamThe A47 between Easton and North Tuddenham (Image: Highways England)

National Highways said that is to create a safe entrance, to allow large and slow vehicles to safely exit the A47 at that point.

As previously reported, a new contractor is being sought to do the work on Thickthorn roundabout, on the edge of Norwich.

Norwich Evening News: Thickthorn roundaboutThickthorn roundabout (Image: Mike Page)

That is after the departure of contractor Galliford Try - which will work on the two dualling projects - from that element of the scheme.

It is likely to be next spring before work starts in earnest.

Climate campaigner Dr Andrew Boswell is still attempting to secure an appeal over a High Court judge's decision to dismiss his legal challenge over the A47 work - which prompted criticism from two of the county's senior Conservatives this week, who said he was "misguided" and "playing games" at taxpayers' expense.

Norwich Evening News: Cones in fields next to the A47Cones in fields next to the A47 (Image: Denise Bradley)

A spokesman for National Highways said: "The works on the A47 schemes are being carried out under the powers contained in the development consent orders.

"The validity of these orders has been questioned by judicial review, following which the orders were upheld by the High Court.

"The orders remain in full force and effect and, accordingly, National Highways is entitled to carry out the works."