A proposed multi-million-pound congestion-busting scheme linking Bradford and the Aire Valley could fall at the first hurdle after experts gave it the thumbs-down.

The £20 million first-phase scheme to implement the Connecting Airedale transport plan has been recommended for refusal by consultants for the Regional Transport Board. Advisors said the 2014 deadline was unrealistic.

The blow comes after the outline bid was submitted by Bradford Council to the board last month.

The overall plan is expected to cost £100 million. One of its main aims is to improve busy Saltaire roundabout.

But Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's executive member for environment, said all was not lost.

She is a member of the Regional Transport Board, which will meet, along with Transport Minister Rosie Winterton, on Friday to discuss the scheme. She said: "We're not giving up. We are hoping to get our scheme included in with all the other schemes. We will be trying to make an impression and establish how important this is to be included. It will be unfortunate if it doesn't make it."

John Blackburn, assistant director of transportation and highways for Bradford Council, said: "The consultants have recommended that the Connecting Airedale project, along with the Rail Growth proposal, which includes Apperley Bridge, and the real-time information scheme are not progressed at this time. They have recognised that these schemes do offer value for money and do fit into the board's aims and objectives but are concerned they might not be delivered in the timescales available.

"The board is being asked to bring forward schemes to use up slippage in the programme.

"The final decision will be made by the Regional Transport Board, which will also be considering these schemes as part of its full review, next year."

Shipley Tory MP Philip Davies said the recommendation was a "shocking kick in the teeth".

He said: "It is massively disappointing. I have no idea where these consultants live, but they obviously don't live anywhere near Bradford.

"If they did, they would know how horrendous the traffic is, particularly around Shipley and Baildon. It is key that we have a proper transport infrastructure in place."

The Council's Labour group leader Ian Greenwood said the blow was down to the "complete failure" of administration at City Hall.

He said: "We have known this is a vital scheme for years. It seems this Council has not done enough work to convince the board of its importance. They need to press the board to ensure it is included in its list of priorities."

Liberal Democrat group leader Jeanette Sunderland said: "We have a World Heritage car park. There is too much traffic in Saltaire and for that not to be dealt with is inconceivable. Once again it is faceless, unelected people making decisions on how to spend taxpayers' money."

The first phase is part of an overall scheme expected to cost £100 million to free up some of the worst grid-locked roads in the district.