A new multi-million pound congestion-busting bypass will open this month heralding a new era for Brierley Hill, it has been confirmed.

An official opening is planned for Thursday, November 6, and council chiefs are hoping Minister of State for Transport, Rosie Winterton, will be guest of honour.

The £20million bypass, dubbed the Parallel Access Route, is aimed at uncorking a traffic bottleneck in the car-clogged town.

Work on the long-awaited bypass started in April and has involved constructing a route parallel to the High Street between Dudley Road and Church Street, together with a new road linking Waterfront Way with Pedmore Road.

Traders say the road will be a huge boost for business by attracting more shoppers and investment.

Bob Mantle, who runs BHF Florist, in the High Street said: “We are so looking forward to the road opening.

“It will take away all the nonsense of cars not being able to get through or park.”

Once the route is completed work will get underway enhancing the High Street and improvements will include lighting and more on-street car parking.

Councillor Angus Adams, cabinet member for transportation, said: “The project has gone extremely well, it’s on target. The new road will be the catalyst for the regeneration of the town.

“For motorists it will give them the capacity to get into the High Street without the fear of congestion.

“By taking traffic away from the High Street it will also mean a major improvement in the air quality.”

Dudley Council spokeswoman, Clare Beech, is organising the official opening and expects the mayor of Dudley, councillor Ray Burston, will attend.

In August, the Express & Star reported how the council was forced to plunder £2 million from its own reserves to meet a shortfall in funding.