A £1.324 million traffic improvement scheme to improve links between Langley High Street and Meadfield Road has been given the go-ahead.

It is mainly funded by the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Growth Deal with Government - Slough Borough Council is contributing £264,000.

The scheme takes into consideration the anticipated volumes of traffic being re-routed through Langley when Hollow Hill Lane closes, following the proposed construction of the Western Rail Link to Heathrow. It follows the recent completion of improvements to station access facilities at Langley Railway Station ready for Crossrail.

Charles Eales, infrastructure programme lead and board director at Thames Valley Berkshire LEP and co-chairman of the Berkshire Local Transport Body which approved the new scheme, said: “This highway is a key strategic link via the A4, M4, M25, for businesses and residents in Slough. The improvements being made to the transport links in the area will help to tackle congestion and improve traffic flow.”

Tan Dhesi, MP for Slough said, “I’m delighted the Berkshire Local Transport Body has approved the first phase of the Langley High Street improvements scheme, which should drastically reduce delays and congestion in the area. I’m pleased that this investment will address traffic concerns in Langley as plans for the Western Rail Link to Heathrow move forward. It’s vital our town continues to improve our transport infrastructure and I look forward to working with Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, Slough Borough Council and all other stakeholders to continue this important work.”

Josie Wragg, Slough Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “This significant injection of funding will help alleviate some of the impact of changes in road access in Langley. We know this is not only an essential route for work and travel hubs but also a place where people live, call home, where children are educated and businesses are owned and run. The money will be used to mitigate congestion, improve air quality, road safety for pedestrians and vehicle users, as well as any impacts on small and larger businesses in the area."