A453 road widening scheme given the go-ahead

Work to widen one of the region's busiest roads is set to get started in 2013.

Roads minister Mike Penning announced the decision this morning on the public enquiry on the A453 in Nottingham.

The main engineering work will begin next winter. The scheme is expected to be completed in late 2014. Work had originally not been due to begin until after 2015.

Nottinghamshire County Council says the scheme will be a major boost to the local economy:

"I am absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has given the go-ahead and that work will now begin on this vital piece of infrastructure which will bring huge benefits to the Nottinghamshire economy”

"To the region as a whole it has been estimated that its improvement would bring a boost to the economy of £540m".

The cost of the scheme is estimated to be between of £141m and £194m, with Nottinghamshire County Council contributing £20m and Rushcliffe Borough Council £500,000.

The road is regarded as a congestion and accident blackspot, but it's hoped the scheme will deal with these problems.

It will also improve access to East Midlands Parkway station, and the Enterprise Zone at Beeston.

There are claims that it could damage green-belt land and simply move congestion to the outskirts of Nottingham.