Work to construct the final piece of Lichfield’s southern bypass is due to start this week.
The new section of road will complete what councillors say will be an “essential part of the city’s infrastructure”.
The £17.5million scheme will connect the A5127 Birmingham Road with the A5206 London Road and will involve building an underpass beneath the cross city railway line.
Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth leader, Cllr Mark Winnington, said: “We are looking forward to starting the final phase of the Lichfield southern bypass which will make a huge difference to the city and spur its future growth.
“In addition to enabling the delivery of much-needed new homes it will reduce congestion in the city centre and improve traffic flow.
“It is a major engineering project which will involve taking the road under the railway line and this has involved a lot of careful planning.
“From this week people will begin to see activity on site but there should be very little disruption to motorists.”
The first stage of work will see clearance begin on land off the London Road, before construction of the access road starts on 11th March.
The railway bridge and the connection to Birmingham Road roundabout is being funded by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), with the remaining 600 metre stretch is being funded by a developer.
Chris Loughran, deputy chair of GBSLEP, added: “The Lichfield southern bypass will transform the Lichfield area by improving traffic flow to relieve congestion and boost connectivity.
“The bypass will unlock a housing development site and improve access to new employment sites, attracting investment and creating new jobs.
“It will also enhance Lichfield’s reputation as a highly accessible tourism destination, further supporting the growth of the regional economy by enticing more visitors into the area.”
