Dual carriageway scheme set out

The A453 is one of the major roads into Nottingham

Plans to widen the A453 between Nottingham and junction 24 of the M1 have moved a step closer.

Detailed proposals have been published and backed by the transport minister - but the funding for the £141m to £194m project has not yet been approved.

Officials said the upgrade would have "huge benefits" for the area.

The plans will go on show from 25 February and depending on objections, inquiries and funding, the new road could be opened by 2012.

Improvements have been under discussion since the 1980s, with businesses saying the project was vital to the local economy.

Increasing congestion

The new plans involve constructing 5.6 miles (9km) of dual two-lane carriageway between the M1 in Leicestershire and a new roundabout at Mill Hill in Clifton.

There will also be new bridges and underpasses closer to the city as well as potential to link up with a planned tram terminus.

Transport Minister Andrew Adonis said: "Widening the A453 will have huge benefits for everyone who uses the route - currently one of the most heavily congested roads in the region.

"Without improvements, congestion on this important link between Nottingham, the M1 and East Midlands Airport is set to get even worse with the number of vehicles using the route predicted to increase by up to 4,000 a day by 2027."

The consultation period will run for 13 weeks.