A key roundabout into Marlow is set for a multi-million pound makeover in a bid to ease congestion, after almost £1.2 million was awarded to the improvement scheme.

Around £1.18 million has been secured towards improving the Westhorpe Interchange junction, on the A404 at Marlow.

The money will be match-funded with £500,000 of developer funding and £63,000 of Growing Places funding from the Local Economic Partnership, making the total budget for the project £1.75 million.

The traffic blackspot has been plagued with congestion at peak times, and Bucks County Council is hoping the makeover will help improve access to and from Globe Park, as well as relieve heavy traffic at the junction.

But transport bosses have not yet confirmed what the improvements will be, although traffic lights were being considered for the busy roundabout earlier this year.

The project – led by Bucks & Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP), Bucks County County Council, Wycombe District Council and the Globe Park BID – has been awarded the money by Highways England, after they submitted a joint bid to its growth and housing fund – a government money pot set aside for road improvements.

A BCC spokesman said the bid did not specify details of planned improvements and that it was too early to say what the preferred solution to the congestion at the junction might look like.

The four partners will now be liaising with Highways England to work up options to draw up an agreed plan.

Bucks County Council’s deputy leader and transport cabinet member, Mark Shaw, welcomed the funding, saying: “I'm well aware of the congestion there, and our successful funding bid will not only help deal with this, but also help stimulate the Buckinghamshire economy.

“Central to the scheme is the need to attract new companies and more jobs to Globe Business Park, and enhance job security for those already there.

“Companies at Globe currently employ more than 3,000 people, and contribute more than £200 million to the local economy.”

Wycombe District Council’s cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, Steve Broadbent, said: “We’re working to make Globe Park more attractive to businesses.

“This funding makes a big difference and is one way we can help retain and create jobs to grow our economy.” 

Globe Business Park BID chairman Tim Williams said: “I’m delighted Highways England have made this award, and look forward to working with stakeholders to get the best solution for our businesses and the wider community.”