A new £110m bypass that is expected to carry 35,000 vehicles a day has been opened.

The 3.5-mile South Devon Highway between Torbay and Newton Abbot was officially opened by roads minister Andrew Jones on 22 February.

The project was completed on time and on budget and the Department of Transport said it is expected to deliver a near £1bn return on the £110m investment.

Chancellor George Osborne said: “Better infrastructure is vital to improve people’s lives in the south west, and this new link road is doing exactly that by making local journeys quicker and easier.

“After a tireless local campaign we pledged new funding to make this important project a reality, and today’s announcement shows we have delivered on our promise.

“This government is determined to get Britain building again which is why in my Spending Review I set out how we will invest over £100bn in the UK’s infrastructure.”

Roads minister Andrew Jones said: “I am pleased our investment in the South Devon Highway is already delivering better journeys for thousands of hard-working people in Torbay and Newton Abbot.

“The road will help create new jobs and give a welcome economic boost to the region, but most importantly end the unpredictable travel times for drivers.”