Detailed proposals for a new road to bypass four traffic-plagued east Suffolk villages and help with the economic growth of the area will be revealed next week.

Residents are being urged to take part in a six-week public consultation to give their views on the plans for the A12 and help build a business case to persuade Government to back the multi-million pound project.

The route is being branded as Suffolk’s Energy Gateway as it will serve not only the proposed Sizewell C development but also the wind farm operations off the coast, and provide improved access for new housing and businesses along the A12 corridor.

Most importantly though it will provide relief for people living in Farnham, Stratford St Andrew, Little Glemham and Marlesford, where residents have been campaigning for a bypass for at least 20 years amid increasing traffic and accidents – and fear the situation will only get worse if the new twin nuclear reactor at Sizewell is approved.

James Finch, cabinet member for highways and transport at Suffolk County Council, said the consultation will start on Tuesday, September 12.

He said: “The scheme is designed to provide a modern high quality road to enable, support and deliver economic growth in East Suffolk and enhance the quality of life for local people.

“Should the scheme be delivered, the existing road will remain open for local traffic, providing access to the four villages and local businesses.

“It is very important that local residents, businesses and community groups get involved in this consultation to ensure that all local views and opinions are represented in the business case that Suffolk County Council must submit to Government before the end of 2017.”

Exhibitions of the proposals in detail, highlighting benefits of the scheme and for questions to be answered, will be held at the Riverside Centre in Stratford St Andrew on Wednesday, September 20, and Saturday, September 23, both days 10am to 6pm.

All information will be available online at www.suffolk.gov.uk/consultations from Tuesday.

EDF Energy is involved in discussions about finance for the project and has already said it is willing to support a two villages bypass, while Government has granted £1million to develop the business case.