Contractor Alun Griffiths has now been given a spring start date for the £57m job to deliver the 3.3km road project.

The Banwell Bypass scheme will see construction of a single-carriageway off the A38 to stop traffic congestion in the Somerset village.

New roads will support future housing sites to help meet demand for homes over the next 15 years

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “The Banwell bypass was first proposed all the way back in 1927, so this brilliant news marks a truly historic day for North Somerset. Now we have the green light use CPOs, we’re able to acquire the land, get on site and start building.

“Not only will the Banwell bypass ease longstanding traffic issues in Banwell village, it will better connect communities by cutting journey times for those travelling between Weston-super-Mare and the A38.”

The Banwell Bypass gained planning approval last March but was stalled by cost increases.

The council has now found further funds for the scheme which it said would cost £89m in its entirety including the cost of consultants, utilities, and contingency money

Homes England has provided £77.3m of this, with North Somerset Council contributing £11.9m.