The Government today agreed to put more than £10.1 million into trying to clear some of Bradford's clogged roads.

The Department of Transport cash aims to improve transport links in the city and three years of work is expected to begin before the end of the month.

The first stage of the South Bradford Integrated Transport Scheme, expected to be finished by December, will replace the busy roundabout at Manchester Road/Mayo Avenue a traffic lights junction.

The pedestrian subways will be closed and replaced with new push button pedestrian crossings.

And two of Bradford's busiest roads are to get a new link to help alleviate rush-hour congestion that is the bain of the district's commuters.

Construction of a new link road from the M606 on to Rooley Lane at the Staygate roundabout is expected to start before the summer and will be open to traffic by autumn 2004.

The final step will be to improve safety and environmental issues on various residential roads in the South Bradford area.

The works planned for 2004/2005 will be carried out by contractors Mowlem plc in consultation with residents.

Over the summer thousands of leaflets were distributed to households close to the planned works and several neighbourhood forums were organised to give people the opportunity to discuss the scheme.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment, said: "I am delighted we have convinced the Government of the importance of this scheme to Bradford.

"Their final go-ahead means we can now get the works underway.

"The scheme will create local jobs and help to regenerate the South Bradford area by improving transport links for local firms, bus users, cyclists and pedestrians."

She added: "Council engineers are working closely with the contractors to ensure the works are programmed to minimise the disruption to road users and local people.

"Inevitably there will be some disruption but in the long run the scheme will encourage drivers to use the motorway and major roads rather than going through residential areas."

Mowlem plc contracts manager, David Brown, said: "We are delighted to hear of the Government's go-ahead for this important regeneration scheme for the city. We look forward to playing out part in delivering the scheme."

Bradford Council submitted a revised package for South Bradford to the Government, which left out the Odsal park and ride facilities, following Sterling Capitol's (CRRT) decision to pull out of a planned Odsal Stadium redevelopment.

The Council is currently discussing other possibilities for park and ride facilities in the area with Metro.