RUSH hour misery for thousands of motorists could be improved in the coming years with the help of a £2.5m investment in Swindon’s roads.

The money has been allocated as part of the Government’s National Productivity Investment Fund, which aims to support infrastructure improvements across the country.

Mead Way, a key route that experiences some of the worst of peak-time traffic delays, will see the benefits of the funding.

Two junctions will be modified and the road will be widened in parts. The precise nature of improvements will be outlined in detail in due course.

Mary Martin, the cabinet member responsible for highways and ward councillor for Shaw, said: “This is excellent news for residents, businesses and visitors in West Swindon.

“This funding will bring much-needed improvements to our local infrastructure, helping to increase road capacity, ease congestion, boost economic development, create jobs and improve safety.

“Both Coun Tim Swinyard, my colleague from Lydiard and Freshbrook, and I, have been working closely to secure this investment.”

In addition to the £2.53m allocated by central government, the council will put an additional £1.5m towards the project.

That money will come from contributions that have been made by developers as part of planning permissions granted in the area.

News of the investment was welcomed by South Swindon MP Robert Buckland.

He said: “This government investment is warmly welcomed.

“The junction improvements and widening of Mead Way, a very important route in the town, will bring many benefits for local people and businesses.

“Among other things, the project will help to cut congestion and journey times while boosting the local economy.

“The Government has today awarded around £45m towards nine projects across the south west, including one near Melksham, proving its commitment to improving the region’s road network and ensuring we have a country that works for everyone.”

In total, 76 projects from across the country have been awarded funding of £244m.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This Government is taking the big decisions for Britain’s future and investing a record £23bn on our roads to increase capacity and improve journeys.

“These schemes will provide much needed upgrades to essential local roads up and down the country, cutting congestion, improving safety and shortening journey times for drivers.”