Major A326 works could start in 2029 according to councillor

New Forest District Councillor for Totton South, David Harrison, revealed the details after a briefing from Hampshire County Council officers.

The plans could get off the ground as soon as January 2029 – but this is not set in stone.

Cllr Harrison said: "I benefited today from a good briefing from three officers at Hampshire County Council who have been jointly working on the scheme to upgrade the A326.

"No decision has yet been made about how the work will be progressed or what traffic management scheme will be in place.

“Of course, it is highly controversial scheme because some of the land involves constructing a road on what is the most highly protected land in the country.

“Should the members reject it, an appeal will almost certainly be made to the relevant Secretary of State who has the power to overturn the decision if it is deemed in the national interest to do so.”

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The scheme also includes a new bridge over the railway and a proposed double roundabout junction south of the Pilgrim Inn at Marchwood to improve port access.

A more detailed design is expected to be completed by November or December this year, when a planning application will be submitted.

Eighty-five per cent of the funding, estimated at £125 million, will be submitted to the Department of Transport.

The remaining 15 per cent will need to be sourced from elsewhere.

Councillor David Harrison (Image: NQ) Cllr Harrison said: "The earliest the scheme could start is January 2029.

"No decision has yet been made about how the work will be progressed or what traffic management scheme will be in place."

The plans also include pedestrian and cyclist crossings to reduce severance and a speed limit reduction to 50mph.

The public will have another chance to voice their opinions when the planning application is submitted.