The new multi-million pound Corby link road is now open.
The Northamptonshire County Council scheme has created a four-mile long dual carriageway which connects the existing A43 near the village of Stanion to the A6003 near Barford Bridge, north-west of Kettering.
As well as improving the link between the north of the county and the A14 the road will also reduce congestion on other local roads on the network, improving road safety, particularly in the village of Geddington.
The road was opened by Transport Minister Robert Goodwill at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which started a transport procession representing Northamptonshire.
Cllr Jim Harker, county council leader, said: “This was a much needed scheme and I’m delighted to be able to announce that we’re now ready to open it to the public.
“As a county council we are committed to laying the foundations to facilitate economic growth and I see this scheme as essential to unlocking development in Corby and the surrounding area.
“It’s remarkable that the road is opening right on schedule considering all the wet weather that we’ve been experiencing in the time it was being built.
“I’d like to thank all the workforce for their terrific effort over the past two years and the harsh weather they’ve battled with to get this open on time.”
Roads Minister Robert Goodwill added: “This government has contributed £20.6m to improving the A43, which will not only ease congestion in and around nearby rural villages but also help support local businesses and the economy.”
The work was carried out by Interserve Construction Limited, the international support services and construction group.
The road has taken just under two years to complete, with the council responsible for funding the remainder of the £34million scheme.
