Outrage as £274m UK dual carriageway held up for 10 years because of snails

A road safety project worth millions of pounds has been delayed for nearly a decade due to a study into the protection of a rare snail. The plans to dual the A47 Acle Straight in Norfolk were put on hold in 2015 because of the Little Whirlpool Ramshorn Snail, a tiny creature measuring just one-fifth of an inch across.

These molluscs inhabit dykes along a 6.8-mile stretch of the road, prompting National Highways to investigate possible relocation options. Originally scheduled to conclude in 2019, the study was extended to 2023 due to ‘mixed’ results.

Now, National Highways bosses have announced that the study’s findings will not be released until later this summer. Construction cannot commence until the snails are successfully relocated, as they are listed as an endangered species internationally.

This absurd situation comes as the new Labour government pledges to tackle NIMBYs and trivial environmental challenges obstructing infrastructure projects. James Wild, Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, described the duration of the snail study as “extraordinary.”

At a recent A47 Alliance meeting, where Highways England revealed the latest research timeline, he questioned officials: “Are you seriously saying there has been an eight year study into this?”

Jan Challis, from National Highways, confirmed at the meeting: “Between 2016 and 2023 several populations were moved and monitored to understand their survival rates.”

The study is set to release findings this summer, and while details are currently unknown, it will be handed over to Natural England for review, according to Mr. Challis. He highlighted: “The snails are not the only reason for the Acle Straight being in the situation it is in. It is one of very many factors – environmental, financial and the rest.”

The scientists undertaking the study must adhere to guidelines from government advisors Natural England.

Moreover, Mr. Challis noted the complex blend of issues affecting the Acle Straight. According to him: “We have to wait until the summer to find out results of the study and then wait for Natural England to see if the snails are moveable, before we find out what the future holds.”

Expressing his frustration at the delays, Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for highways and head of the A47 Alliance pushing for road dualling, stated: “It seems that Natural England can take as much time as they like, and in the meantime, we see people die on the Acle Straight.” He reflected on the situation saying, “I just wonder what the priority is here.”

This marks the second major Norfolk road project encountering setbacks due to wildlife conservation and Natural England’s concerns, with the council’s Western Link road facing opposition because of rare bats inhabiting the proposed area.

Despite £300m of work being allocated for the A47, and commencement of dual sections from Blofield to North Burlingham and Easton to North Tuddenham, the Acle Straight has never been included in any plans.

This is despite long-standing calls from campaigners due to the road’s dangerous nature, with cars involved in accidents often ending up submerged in adjacent water-filled dykes.

The A47 Alliance aims to build a compelling case for the project to secure government funding for the necessary upgrade. This situation mirrors another major Norfolk road project potentially thwarted by environmental concerns.

Norfolk County Council’s proposed £274m Norwich Western Link road could be derailed due to the presence of rare, protected barbastelle bats.

Natural England has objected to the proposals due to potential impact on the bats and indicated it would not grant the required licence to disrupt or harm them.

Environmental concerns have also caused significant delays and increased costs to other A47 dualling schemes following a series of legal challenges by an eco-activist.