The first section of Aylesbury's new orbital link road has been officially opened.

The South-East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR) and the Stoke Mandeville Relief Road (SMRR) are now ready for use, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious transport project.

Buckinghamshire Council, which is spearheading the project, has secured £147.9 million in funding and is coordinating with additional partners, the Department for Transport (DfT), Homes England, developers, and landowners.

The SEALR, being constructed in two sections, will form a 1.1-mile dual carriageway featuring three roundabout junctions.

It has now been linked with the SMRR, funded by HS2, at the newly constructed Pearce roundabout.

A bridge across the London-bound railway line forms the next stage of construction.

Council leader Steven Broadbent said: "This is an exciting day for Buckinghamshire and marks a key stage in our ambition to enhance the transport infrastructure in and around Aylesbury.

"This is one of the biggest road improvements the council has made in a generation and demonstrates our commitment to improving our highways network, creating better traffic flow and supporting future development."

He added that the project was minimising the impact on council budgets by tapping into various external funding streams, including developer-generated Section 106 funding.

Council chairman Safaraz Khan Raja and Mr Broadbent were joined by partner organisations, including HS2, the DfT, and Homes England, ahead of the opening of the road.

Local MPs, road contractors, and parish council members were also present.

Paul Ahdal, Homes England's head of infrastructure grants project management, said: "This latest milestone in the delivery of Aylesbury’s new orbital link road is an excellent example of how the Housing Infrastructure Fund is enabling the delivery of key projects that help create thriving places people can be proud of.

"It's great to see this project moving forward, and we look forward to continuing to support Buckinghamshire Council in achieving their ambitions."

Bill Price, HS2 Ltd project client, praised the opening of the SMRR, which was a commitment made during the project’s design stage.

He said: "Together with the next stages of the South-East Aylesbury Link Road, it will dramatically improve journeys around the south of Aylesbury and I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to get it built."

Once completed, the SEALR will form a crucial part of a new orbital link road around Aylesbury, providing an alternative route, easing congestion in the town centre and offering new cycling and walking routes.