The £22.5 million Tipton tunnel opened this afternoon, easing congestion on one of the region’s busiest roads by taking traffic under the West Coast Mainline.

The project, which also included work at Tipton station, was completed after more than two years.

The whole scheme, known as the Owen Street relief road, cost £27 million and sees the tunnel replace the former level crossing that was the cause of constant tailbacks.

Barriers at the crossing used to be down for 45 minutes every hour, causing huge queues to build up.

Regional Minister for the West Midlands Ian Austin MP was at today’s official opening ceremony with a plaque being unveiled and a ribbon cut.

Hundreds of residents, who have suffered for years as a result of the traffic queues, also turned out for the event along with traders and business leaders.

Chris Martin, the chief executive of the Tipton and Coseley Building Society, said: “Our head office is on Owen Street, so we have been monitoring progress with interest.

“This is a fantastic investment in something we never thought would happen.

“The local town centre has been in decline for many years and this tunnel will be a huge boost for traders.”

Mr Austin said: “I think it’s great news for the people of Tipton because it will not only relieve congestion caused by the previous level crossing, but improve air quality and cut down on noise around Owen Street.”

The 190 ft tunnel is further down the track from the original level crossing, which was the last on the West Coast Mainline and closed last June.

In addition to the tunnel itself, cash has been spent on a new Tipton railway station car park, re-construction of the approach ramps to the pedestrian subway and re-construction of an existing canal bridge.