Plans for new Robin Hood Airport link road

Subject to planning, work could start in the summer with the road opening in early 2014.

Plans for a new link road to Robin Hood Airport in South Yorkshire are to be unveiled at three public meetings.

The road, including a route to Rossington and a bridge over the East Coast Main Line, will run for 2.5 miles (4km) from junction 3 of the M18 to the A638 near the airport.

Steve Gill, director of the airport, said the road was a "vital component" in its development.

Doncaster Council received £18m funding from the Regional Growth Fund.

Mr Gill added that the airport was "fantastically placed" and the road would improve access for passengers and cargo.

He said the new link would cut 20 minutes off the journey time from Sheffield city centre.

New houses

Subject to planning permission being granted, work on the road could start in summer 2012 with it opening in early 2014.

The Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme is part of the Gateway to the Sheffield City Region project.

The project will include new houses in Rossington and a freight interchange.

The council has previously said 25,000 private sector jobs could be created by 2030 as a result of the project.

The jobs would include those in air freight, warehousing, house building and civil engineering.

The meetings about the link road are at Holmescarr Community Enterprise Centre and Cantley Library later, and on Saturday at Asda (Bawtry Road).