Councillors say a new £17.5million road project in Lichfield will unlock further growth in the city.
Cllr Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council’s leader for economic growth, revealed work had begun to buy up land along the route of the Lichfield Southern Bypass which will connect the A5127 Birmingham Road with the A5206 London Road.
The project – which is due for completion in 2020 – will see an underpass built beneath the cross city railway line.
The new road will also support a new housing development and new primary school, with councillors hopeful the route will also ease city centre congestion.
Cllr Winnington said: “Completing the final section of the Lichfield Southern Bypass between Birmingham Road and London Road is an essential part of Lichfield’s growth plans.
“It will support future development contained in the Local Plan – notably the delivery of new homes and businesses, office and retail space.
“This final section of the route, which is being funded through a mix of private and public investment, will help to deliver millions of pounds worth of future investment in Lichfield while improving traffic flow around the city and helping to reduce congestion which restricts business growth.”
Work on the new road could begin in the summer of 2018 if planning permission is granted early next year.
