A report published yesterday by the Department of Transport says that improved connections between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge could boost the economy.

The £512,000 study by WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, Halcrow and Steer Davies Gleave explored the potential for creating a dedicated road link between the three places.

The report has found that a new link will improve journey times by up to 30 minutes along the length of the route. It would also support economic growth in the towns and cities on the Expressway. As well as being of benefit to commuters and businesses in Cambridge, Oxford and Milton Keynes, it would have a wider positive impact on Britain’s economy, the study found.

Two further reports – the Trans-Pennine tunnel and the A1 east of England – are also published today. Studies into the M25 south west quadrant, the Manchester north west quadrant and the Northern Trans Pennine are also under way.

Final reports of all six will be completed in the next six months and will inform the development of the government’s second Road Investment Strategy , which will get under way from 2020.