UK Department for Transport has opened a £120m new link road in East Sussex, which is intended to boost the economy and improve journeys along the south coast by significantly reducing traffic congestion.

The Bexhill to Hastings link road, named Combe Valley Way, is expected to minimise traffic congestion throughout the local area including A259, Hastings seafront and neighboring rural roads.

The road is also expected to provide support economic revival by supporting 3,000 new jobs and 2,000 new homes.

"This new south coast link will end years of frustration for local people, providing far quicker journeys across the region and unlocking ambitious development plans."

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: "This new south coast link will end years of frustration for local people, providing far quicker journeys across the region and unlocking ambitious development plans.

"This road is further evidence of this government’s commitment to improving the UK’s transport infrastructure, creating opportunities for the development of new homes, business and jobs.

"The communities of Bexhill and Hastings have waited a long time for this day and now they have an improved road network to help them get around and get on."

For the development of the Bexhill-Hastings link road, the Department for Transport provided funds worth £56.85m. While the first cars have begun driving on the road, a new path for cyclists, walkers and horse riders will be completed in 2016.

The development is already aiding local economic growth as several companies are shifting to a new business park close to the new route.

The scheme will also see a new bus route along the road connecting Hastings and Bexhill with the new business park through the link road.

£21m of construction costs includes numerous environmental measures such as earthworks, fencing and extensive planting.