ALMOST £55million of government funding has been announced for the dualling of Worcester’s Southern Link Road.

The new dual carriageway is predicted to halve peak journey times along the A4440 and pave the way for up to 5,600 new homes.

The funding announcement has been made by Roads Minister Jesse Norman.

The major project, alongside the existing Carrington Bridge, is intended to provide congestion relief for residents and businesses, while boosting jobs and economic growth in areas like Great Malvern by improving access to the M5.

This will also improve access to Birmingham International Airport and Worcestershire Parkway Station, creating better journeys for commuters and supporting the creation of more than 6,000 jobs.

Mr Norman said: “The government is investing record amounts to improve journeys in our towns and cities, boosting local economies.

“This new road will help improve everyday journeys in and around Worcester, easing traffic for local people in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, as well as supporting thousands of new homes and jobs.”

The dual carriageway will connect the M5 to the west of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and provides a bypass to Worcester city centre, set to cut average journey times along the A4440 in both directions during peak hours in the opening year.

The bypass will also help improve air quality, and see two new bridges, new cycle and pedestrian routes as well as junction improvements.

Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, Cllr Ken Pollock, said: “This is great news for Worcestershire.

“We welcome this announcement of funding approval which paves the way for the final phase of the scheme to fully dual the Southern Link Road from the M5 to the Powick roundabout.

“Works on this important and much-needed final phase will see Carrington Bridge extended and 1.5km of viaduct being built between the Ketch and Powick roundabouts.

“We look forward to sharing further details about this final phase which also includes an improved Ketch viewpoint and underpass in addition to a footbridge over Hams Way in the next couple of weeks.”

Worcestershire County Council is contributing £7.5 million to the £62million scheme.

The government funding comes from the Large Local Majors Fund, providing vital infrastructure for economic growth.