MILLIONS of pounds are to be spent improving access to Southampton, after the council was selected to share a chunk of a £840 million national funding pot.

The city has earmarked the three approaches to the city for work – Eastern, Northern and Western – after it made a shortlist of ten authorities that are in the running to receive a piece of the Transforming Cities Fund.

Transport chiefs say the main roads that will be developed are the A33-A335 Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford to Southampton; A33 Waterside and Totton to Southampton; and the A334-A3024 Hedge End to Southampton.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, cabinet member for transport, said: “It’s fantastic news that Southampton has been shortlisted for the Transforming Cities Fund.

“It’s testament to the hard work our transport team have put in to making the case for Southampton on the national stage.

“We’re already investing in better transport to secure a successful and sustainable future for Southampton and this should enable us to go even further.”

If successful the funding will be used to support “productivity and growth” in the local economy, the authority said, by connecting Southampton with its suburbs and the surrounding towns and villages, reducing congestion and improving air quality.

Meanwhile, Hampshire County Council’s joint bid with Portsmouth City Council has also been shortlisted.

This focuses on a mass transit network linking Portsmouth to Fareham, Havant and Waterlooville.

The authority says it will build on the success of the existing Eclipse bus rapid transit route the council completed in 2012, and the Star route.

Councillor Rob Humby, transport chief at Hampshire County Council, said: “This is great news for South Hampshire, and I really am delighted that the government has recognised the strength of the proposals we’ve developed in partnership with Portsmouth City Council to improve how people travel to work in and around South East Hampshire.

“I’m also pleased to hear that Southampton City Council’s bid has also been successful and we look forward to working with them on measures to improve access in and out of Southampton.”

Cllr Humby added: “Good transport infrastructure is vital to the economic prosperity of any area, and investment which will improve transport for all those who commute every day into Portsmouth will have a huge and positive impact on quality of life and productivity. This news sends out a message that South Hampshire is a great place to live and work, and there is commitment and investment to make this even better.”

Now the councils will receive £50,000 per bid to work on developing the business case over the next few months.