Construction could start as early as 2021 on the new road which will connect the A56 at Chester Road with the A57 at Sankey Way.

It will create a new crossing point over the Mersey, cutting congestion and opening up land for development for up to 24,000 new homes.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman said: “The new Western Link Road will significantly benefit both road users and residents in Warrington, and is the latest instalment of the government’s record £13 billion investment in transport across the north of England.”