The project approved in 2023 was originally budgeted to cost £66m. But this has now soared to a total expected cost of £105m.

Cost have been driven up by early delays, industry inflation and the previously selected contractor Alun Griffiths walking away from the project after failing to agree on final contract price.

Since then Galliford Try has been appointed to deliver the scheme. The original contract sum agreed with Galliford Try stood at £59m.

The project has now been re-costed to reflect latest design refinements and requires a further £14.5m funding top-up.

The council has confirmed that extra funding has been secured with help of a near £10m contribution from Homes England.

North Somerset councillors will meet on Tuesday to rubber stamp increased funding and issue a notice to proceed with the bypass’ construction contract.

Early environmental works, vegetation clearance and construction of access roads have already taken place.

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council and Executive Member for Major Projects, said: “It’s good news that Homes England have given another green light to the Banwell bypass, providing the funding boost we need to continue the work already underway to build the bypass.

“Not only does the scheme form an important part of our ambition to deliver £450m of capital investment into local infrastructure, but it is also supports further economic growth for our area and helps us to deliver on our Local Plan ambitions.”