Nottinghamshire County Council is offering a £20 million contribution to bring forward the long-awaited scheme to widen the A453.

The A453 has been a top priority for improvement in the East Midlands for many years. The Nottinghamshire section of the road is the second most congested part of the national road network after a short section of the M25. It also has a poor safety record and high volumes of traffic.

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Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Kay Cutts said: "The A453 is the weakest link in the regional road network and the road, in its current state, is severely limiting the economic recovery and development of the area.

"Its widening is fundamental to unlocking the huge economic potential of our vibrant county. We already know that the traffic delays encountered, especially by businesses, are having a detrimental effect upon inward business."

The proposed scheme would have the capacity to safely handle this increase in numbers and attract traffic back to the A453, reducing the volume of traffic on a number of local roads. It would also improve access to East Midlands Parkway station.

The council's cash pledge is subject to approval at meetings of its Cabinet and Full Council this month.

(CD)