Long-awaited Shrewsbury North West Relief Road plans submitted
After 30 years in the making, plans have today been submitted for the £87m project.
Transport bosses say the seven mile stretch of the A53 could be open to vehicles by the end of 2023.
Shropshire Council says it will help reduce congestion in Shrewsbury town centre by 25%, improving air quality and allowing pedestrian schemes to be be brought in.
It also claims it will help boost the local economy, opening up housing and employment land in the Oxon area.
Council leader Peter Nutting said: "We do believe the NWRR will help greatly to reduce through traffic through the town. It will reduce congestion , particularly along Smithfield Road and the Mount.
"It's an opportunity now the world is changing, people want more cycle routes, more pedestrian-easy routes and I think the key to doing that within the loop of the river is with the NWRR."
Concerns have been raised about the environmental impacts of the road, but the council says the countryside the road will pass through will be left in a better condition than it is found in, with plans to enhance ecological features and boost diversity.
The project will be funded by a £54.4m government grant and £4.2m from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. The council will be liable for the remaining £28.5m.
Members of the public will get to comment on the planning application from March 1 on the council's planning portal.