Work will now begin on the £96m Lincoln Eastern Bypass, after a public inquiry gave approval for the scheme.
Lincolnshire County Council will now appoint a contractor for the bypass, which will take two years to complete.
The council's executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Richard Davies, said:
'I am glad that the inspector saw that not only is the bypass a vital component in our plans to create a fit-for-purpose highways infrastructure for the needs of an expanding Lincoln, but that the changes at Hawthorn Road which have been of particular interest to those living in the villages of Cherry Willingham and Reepham have been mitigated by the provision of reasonably convenient alternative routes. Hopefully we can now progress with this long-awaited bypass without any further needless expense or delay.'
The inquiry, which was held last August, has given legal permission for the side road orders and compulsory purchase orders to be carried out.
