Plan to widen parts of A326 could be scrapped, councillor warns

Cllr David Harrison, who represents Marchwood and Totton South, said proposals to modify part of the busy A326 were now in "serious doubt".

The county council insists that moves to upgrade the road, most of which is single carriageway, "continue to be developed".

Plans to build 1,500 homes on the former site of Fawley power station have sparked fears that traffic volumes on the A326 will continue to rise (Image: Stephen Bath)

But Cllr Harrison said: "I am reliably informed that officers in charge of the project are expressing significant risks and doubts about the wisdom of the project.

"I was shocked when I was told that the road widening scheme was estimated to cost £80m. The latest estimate is at least £100m."

READ MORE: Parts of the A326 near Marchwood could be widened in attempt to cut rush-hour delays

Cllr Harrison said compulsory purchases of land, compensation for people living near the A326, and a public inquiry could produce an even higher bill.

He added: "Hampshire County Council is talking about a ten per cent biodiversity gain from the project.

"It is hard to see how that will be achieved given the destruction to woodland and harm to the environment."

READ MORE: Councillor fears plan to widen A326 'could lead to more port-related development' 

A county council report published a few years ago said the proposed improvements meant a "relatively small amount" of privately-owned land would be required at several locations.

Cllr Harrison, a Liberal Democrat, confirmed he was against plans to widen the A326.

He urged the ruling Conservative group on the county council to save public money by scrapping the scheme immediately, and said he hoped Tory candidates standing in the local elections on May 4 would join him in opposing the project.

The A326 is used by commuters travelling into Southampton and back and is often gridlocked during rush-hour (Image: PA)

The A326 separates the Hythe and Marchwood area from the rest of the New Forest.

It is used by a large number of workers driving into Southampton and back and is often gridlocked at rush-hour.

Plans to build around 1,500 homes on the former site of Fawley power station have sparked fears that traffic volumes will continue to rise.

Parts of the northern end of the A326 are already dual carriageway.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the county council has drawn up proposals to widen other sections of the route to improve traffic flow between Totton and Marchwood.

A council spokesperson said: "Plans for the A326 (north) improvements continue to be developed and public engagement activity will take place in June and July, which will present full details of the proposals and seek feedback."