A crunch decision to build a new M5 junction in Gloucestershire is expected to be made this month.
Gloucestershire County Council is waiting for the Government to green-light £220million to deliver a new junction 10 for access to and from the western edge of Cheltenham.
The new road would mean those travelling south from north west Cheltenham would be able to join the motorway without travelling across the town to junction 11 at the A40.
The town is set to see a major population growth with more than 3,000 homes planned for the north and west of Cheltenham, as well as a new cyber business park.
Senior county councillors approved a budget increase of £220million last month for the project.
Homes England are expected to make a decision on the county council’s bid this month, and if approved the junction would be open in spring 2024.
A public consultation would take place in spring this year, with an exact location for the new M5 junction being announced in the summer.
The county council said last month the proposal would reduce congestion and improve journey times, and the town’s environment would also receive a boost as traffic would be reduced on unsuitable urban roads.
It also said it needs to hit the ground running with the new junction, as it needs to meet funding conditions with a challenging delivery programme.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said: “We are currently waiting to hear the outcome of our funding bid to Homes England for £220m to upgrade junction 10 of the M5 and are expecting to hear sometime this month.”
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