The approval of the A5-M1 link road on Friday “marks the start of Dunstable’s future”, according to a Central Beds councillor.
Councillor Nigel Young, who has campaigned with South West Beds MP Andrew Selous for more than a decade the road to be built, said the council was delighted at the announcement from the government.
The news follows a public inquiry that was restarted earlier this year after the council brokered a £45m contribution to the scheme from local developers, to add to its own contribution of £5m.
“This is excellent news for Central Bedfordshire and for the local residents who have been campaigning for a bypass for many years,” said Councillor Young.
“The A5-M1 link is the most important infrastructure need for Central Bedfordshire and is pivotal to our plans to regenerate this area.
“It will not only relieve major traffic congestion in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and the surrounding area but the quick links with the motorway network will give businesses a huge incentive to locate here.
“It will provide a massive economic boost, cementing Central Bedfordshire’s position as a great location for innovation and opportunity.”