MILLIONS of pounds which will pay for a ‘transformative’ traffic alleviation scheme on Barnsley’s most congested stretch of road will be approved in the summer, the Chronicle can reveal.

A total of £27.7m will be required to deliver work on the A635 and A633 in Stairfoot and Cundy Cross, according to a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) document.

A survey highlighted that Stairfoot roundabout, Cundy Cross’ junctions and Doncaster Road were the joint priorities for residents and businesses.

Stairfoot roundabout was named as the most congested junction across Barnsley, with almost half of all respondents naming it in their top three areas.

The Chronicle can reveal that an outline business case is expected to be given the nod in June, paving the way for the cash to be delivered via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) scheme ahead of its anticipated completion date in July 2027.

CRSTS is a five-year funding settlement investing in local transport networks - in particular public transport and active travel to improve connectivity and productivity in city regions as part of the national transport strategy.

Residents have also been invited to a drop-in session to view more detailed plans at an event at Tesco Extra, Wombwell Lane, on Monday from 2pm while 6pm.

A report said: “This proposes to redesign and increase the size of Stairfoot roundabout and many of its entry and exit lanes.

“The scheme aims to support regeneration by reducing current and forecasted congestion along the A635 Doncaster Road corridor.

“It also aims to improve bus services and journey times and improve pedestrian and cycling facilities to encourage more people to get out and travel active.”

The scheme proposes to straighten the approach to the roundabout from Wombwell Lane and Bleachcroft Way, and replace the bus lane on Doncaster Road which enters the roundabout with an extra all vehicle lane.

The Grange Lane entry on to the roundabout will become three lanes instead of two, while its bridge will be replaced and widened.

The bus lane on Bleachcroft Way will be replaced with an all-vehicle lane and a bus lay-by while another lane will be added to the south-east section of the roundabout.

“Widening this roundabout will improve its overall capacity, reducing the time it takes during peak hours to travel through it,” the report added.

“Reducing congestion across Barnsley’s major travel corridors is vital to continued economic growth.

“Without intervention the current issue will continue to worsen.”