The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has put its support behind a third runway at Heathrow, saying it could benefit the UK economy by £30.7bn.
The £9bn expansion plan is among 13 "crucial" transport projects which are worth a total of £85bn in economic benefits to the UK, according to research by the BCC.
The BCC asked businesses from across the UK to reveal the transport projects that they believe will be essential to the future success and growth of their regional economies.
Other projects to be highlighted in the research include London's Crossrail, a Forth replacement bridge for Edinburgh, and investment in the East Coast Mainline railway in Yorkshire.
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Transport infrastructure cuts must not become a politically convenient way to slash spending after an election.
"A government focused on the UK's future economic success must do everything it can to protect investment in priority transport projects.
"These infrastructure improvements will not only unlock much needed economic growth, but will also help the hard-pressed UK construction sector and local businesses in the supply chain."
www.britishchambers.org.uk