ONE of Hampshire’s worst traffic bottlenecks could be removed under a £130m congestionbusting plan, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The A326 Totton bypass, which carries thousands of cars and lorries every day, would be converted into a dual carriageway under the proposals.

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The stretch between Calmore and Netley Marsh to the west of Totton would be widened to improve traffic flows.

The idea will be music to the ears of commuters who have to battle their way along the road during rush hour.

The road also carries an above average number of heavy goods vehicles serving businesses such as Fawley Refinery and the Marchwood incinerator.

The A35 Southampton to Christchurch road will also be upgraded if the Government agrees to release the money.

One thing that will not feature in the upgrade, however, will be a flyover to replace the existing roundabout at the junction of the A326 and A336.

Hampshire County Council ruled out a flyover yesterday as councillors agreed to keep vacant land beside the junction of the A326 and the A336 in case the scheme goes ahead.

A report presented to the executive member for environment, Mel Kendal, said the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH) was calling for another 1,670 homes to be built in the Waterside area.

The report added: “There is a potential future need to upgrade the A326.

“The approaches to the A326/A336 junction are congested northbound in the morning peak and southbound in the evening peak, reflecting the ‘tidal’ nature of flows on the route.

“Demand could increase further if major development were to come forward in the Waterside area.”

The report acknowledged that a flyover at Netley Marsh would enhance traffic flow.

However, it highlighted the cost of building the necessary infrastructure and warned that the scheme would have a “severe impact” on the landscape.

The report also revealed that major improvements could be carried out to the A35 if the money became available.

“A figure of £130m has been identified as the funding requirement for the A35 and A326 corridors,”

it said.

“Such a sum, should a future bid be successful, would cover considerable highway works including the possible dualling of significant sections of the A326.”