The EXPANSION of Downshire Way on the A322 is set to begin in the new year to improve journey times and ease congestion for road users.

Downshire Way between the Horse and Groom and Twin Bridges roundabouts will be made into a dual carriage way and works are due to start in January, 2019.

A massive £3.29m was awarded to Bracknell Forest Council by the government as part of the A322 Downshire Way's Highways Improvement Scheme.

Councillor Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport said: "The dualling of Downshire Way is the next step towards significantly improving the Borough's road network and it will be able to support the ongoing growth of the borough."

The highway improvement scheme aims to make journey times more reliable, ease congestion and allow residents to move more easily around the local road network.

By reducing congestion, it is hoped that air quality will also be improved and a new road surface will reduce noise pollution.

A greenway project will be running alongside the A322 expansion, where it will include the creation of new wild flower meadows, connect woodlands and provide new habitats for wildlife.

Due to the road expansion, some of the trees will be removed but the greenway project will provide 'long-term' enhancement for the local community and wildlife.

Over the last five years, the council invested heavily into upgrading the junctions along the major routes linking the M3/Junction 3 and M4/Junction 10.

Cllr Turrell added: "It is great to see we're moving towards the construction phase of the project following an extensive period of planning and preparation."

Visit: https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/A322. for details and updates.