The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has approved a £22.56m contribution to Plymouth City Council’s Forder Valley Link Road.

The proposed 1km route runs between William Prance Road in Derriford and the Forder Valley Road/Novorossiysk Road junction.

Under the £55m project, a bridge will be built over the Bircham Valley, along with a signal junction at the Forder Valley Road and Novorossiysk Road junction.

Forder Valley Link Road project will create a second route between the A38 and Derriford, avoiding the congested Manadon roundabout and A386 Tavistock Road through Crownhill.

“This exciting scheme will provide vital extra capacity on Plymouth’s road network and help cut journey times.”

In addition, the Forder Valley Link Road project will include new walking and cycling routes. It is also intended to improve bus connectivity from the east.

Alongside reducing journey times from the east of the Plymouth to the north, the new road is part of a significant development taking place north of the city, where 4,300 homes will be built over the next 15 years.

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This exciting scheme will provide vital extra capacity on Plymouth’s road network and help cut journey times, while also promoting the use of public transport through better bus routes from the east.

“This investment is part of our cast-iron commitment to deliver resilient transport across the south-west, building on our ambitious plans to boost the region’s economy through stronger travel connections.”

Works started on 28 January, which will be followed by the main construction of the project. Completion is expected before the end of 2021.