They say the chronic congestion caused by the schemes is damaging the region's productivity by delaying deliveries, discouraging customers and causing havoc for commuters by bus and car.

Roadworks at the Thickthorn junction, where the A47 and the A11 meet (Image: Mike Page)

Some firms are trying to lessen the effects of gridlock by reintroducing flexible working and allowing more staff to work from home. But many are powerless to do much to reduce the impact.

Business leaders say utilities companies, councils and National Highways need to do more to co-ordinate schemes, speed up the works and make sure roads are re-opened more quickly once they are finished.

Roadworks in and around Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Congestion problems across much of Norfolk have escalated significantly in recent weeks as a result of the cumulative impact of a series of different projects.

The most significant of these have been at Thickthorn, where lane closures on the A11 and A47 have caused extensive delays and pushed traffic onto other routes, spreading the problems widely through Norwich as well as several surrounding villages.

Separate dualling works on the A47 to the east and west of the city have also significantly contributed and this weekend the route will be fully closed in both directions from the Easton Roundabout to the Dereham interchange.

Roadworks at the Thickthorn junction, where the A47 and the A11 meet (Image: Mike Page)

Commuters have told horror stories of daily journeys doubling in time overnight, while firms say business has been drying up.

Both high street and rural firms are suffering from the road closures and diversions, with footfall in the city down 6.9pc according to latest figures........

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