Among them is MP Richard Spring, who has campaigned for the road improvements for more than a decade. He said he was 'overjoyed' at Monday's announcement by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon that work on the £135 million scheme should begin in 2010.

"For 30 years this has been a proposal under consideration. For the past 16 years, as the local MP I have fought this campaign – at times a very lonely one – and I am overjoyed that finally we have received the green light," said Mr Spring. "A firm timetable has been set out, the orders will be published this week, preliminary work will start in 2010 and the road will be up and running by 2012/2013.

"If there is no public inquiry then this timetable could be brought forward by about six months. After all the consultation and discussion that has taken place over the years, I hope therefore that any further delay can be avoided.

"The history of this stretch of the A11 is one of carnage, terrible accidents, impossible congestion and environmental degradation and this has presented huge difficulties for our emergency services.

"I am absolutely delighted that finally this campaign has been successful," he said.

The news is also seen as a major boost to the local economy and has been welcomed across the area as it battles the ecomomic downturn.

Coun Geoffrey Jaggard, leader of Forest Heath District Council, said: "This is marvellous news. Transport is one of my council's priorities and we have campaigned for the A11 to be improved.

"The stretch of the road from Barton Mills to Thetford is currently dangerous and congested and I am extremely pleased that action is being taken earlier than anticipated."

Roger Hawkins, project manager for the Highways Agency, said completing the dualling of the A11 between the M11 and Norwich would ease congestion and improve journey times significantly.

He added: "The scheme includes a bypass that will take traffic away from Elveden, bringing substantial benefits to the village which has Conservation Area status."