Following this consultation the recommended option will be sent to the transport secretary for them to agree by autumn/winter 2017. It will then take up to three years for the various processes to take place before anything is done on the ground, which Mr Lewis wants to change.

A spokesman for Mr Lewis said: “Brandon, together with other Norfolk MPs continue to repeat their concerns both to Highways England, and to the Department for Transport as to how long this process is taking, and will keep lobbying on behalf of his constituents for these works to start earlier than the expected date of 2019/2020.

“He does not feel 2020 is an acceptable start date, or what was outlined by the then prime minister and chancellor when funding for this project was made available and will continue to push to speed this up.”

A £300m programme to improve the road, includes the reconstruction of the Vauxhall Roundabout, as well as improvements to the A12 junction. Highways England said they have started major plan improvements to six locations along the A47/A12 route.

A feasibility study was carried out in 2014 to identify investments solutions for improving the A47/A12 route in order to reduce congestion, delays and accidents, as well as support economic growth.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “We’re now identifying options for how best to improve the roundabout so it’s too early to confirm costs or a design at this stage.

“Work on the preparation for the dualling of several sections of the A47 is progressing well and to schedule. This is a very big job, and we are committed to approaching it in the right way.

“These schemes will make a real difference to drivers, local people and the economy by providing safer, more reliable and less congested journeys. We are currently developing options for the schemes, which will inform initial designs. We will continue to engage with local people and stakeholders as the project progresses.”

nWhat do you think? Write to Letters at The mercury, 169 King Street, Great Yarmouth NR30 2PA or email editor anne.edwards@archant.co.uk