The addition of a new junction on the M49 could provide a huge boost for economic growth in the West of England – whilst easing congestion and creating thousands of jobs for those within the region.

The £49m project is being brought forward by Highways England. The new junction, which will provide a connection into the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area directly from the motorway, will help support an additional 14,000 jobs with initial forecasts showing a return on investment of £30 for every £1 invested in the scheme.

The proposals, which have been ‘welcomed’ by regional leaders from both the public and private sector, comprise of two bridges which will help reduce the number of HGVs and other vehicles on the local network to ease congestion and help reduce air pollution.

Highways England, who’ll be sharing further details at the West of England Economic Growth Conference, are now working with Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England LEP to complete the scheme.

Nick Aldworth, Highways England’s South West Regional Delivery Director, said: ”We’re delighted to be breaking ground on this strategically and economically important scheme for the South West and Bristol area.”

Business leaders have also had their say on the scheme – with which neighbours the 300-acre Westgate employment site. Simon Tothill, Property and Development Director for Robert Hitchins, said: ”We’ve worked closely with Highways England for the last three years to enable the opening up of this area and we’re delighted to see it progressing. The project is about the creation of jobs and economic growth. We’ve absolutely no doubt that it will be a huge boost to the region, deliver significant new investment into the area and unlock the large and incredibly well-located Westgate site, which already benefits from planning permission for employment uses.”

The development is one of many infrastructure projects in the pipeline by Highways England with the aim of boosting economic growth within the region – and they’ll be presenting further details on future projects at the West of England Economic Growth Conference in October.