An ambitious project to create a Middlewich bypass could create 28,000 jobs and 10,000 homes.
Funding has been secured for the scheme which would be a major boost to the local economy.
Once completed the new road could result in faster journeys across the borough.
It could also ease Middlewich town centre congestion and open up commercial development land.
Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and Cheshire East Council have been allowed to tap into £4m of Government funding to put their case for the plan together.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "I am committed to improving people’s journeys across the country and schemes like this will help people get around and get on.
"We are giving this scheme in Middlewich development funding so more detailed plans can be put in place for a new bypass, which could boost the economy and spread prosperity across the area.”
Wider bonuses from the project should be felt in Chester and Winsford due to the growth in employment.
The business case for the plan is expected to be ruled over next year, when the Government will decide whether the scheme should go ahead.
If the bid is successful the project will be bankrolled from the £475m Local Majors Fund.
Only the schemes will give the biggest boost to the economy and help people and businesses succeed will receive funding.