A MULTI-MILLION-pound scheme to widen the M27 and end motorway misery for thousands of drivers in Hampshire has moved a step closer.

The £78m jam-busting scheme will see an extra lane added to each side of the three-lane carriageway past the Rownhams services between junction three with the M271 and junction four with the M3.

Climbing lanes will also be added at Portsdown Hill between Fareham and Portsmouth, from junction 11 to junction 12 to speed up traffic.

The work, which could be completed by 2007, was part of a £1.38 billion package of congestion-easing road schemes across the UK announced by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling yesterday.

Motoring groups and council chiefs have welcomed the plans set out for Hampshire.

Paul Watters, head of road and transport policy for the Hampshire-based AA Motoring Trust, said: "In terms of traffic flow, widening the M27 is obviously going to be good news. It is a vital artery to the south of England. To keep the network running we need to do these things.

"This news is very, very welcome. But we need to make sure that it

progresses smoothly."

The M27 is a key south coast route and is used by about 110,000 vehicles every day. Road chiefs want to ease rush-hour congestion on the road, with the extra lane on each carriageway adding vital extra capacity.

It is also hoped that the climbing lane scheme at Portsdown Hill will free up the rest of the road around Fareham and Portsmouth.

Both schemes will be built within the existing highway limits, minimising the impact on the environment and surrounding communities.

It is hoped that a contractor will be appointed to design the schemes at the end of the year. Publication of the detailed schemes will follow in 2006, with work starting after that.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council said: "We are very pleased about this significant investment, which will reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists near Southampton. It will also bring real benefits to the local economy."

business leaders also welcomed the proposals.

Stephen Fry, director of the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "The announcement to improve the M27 is welcomed by the business people in the area as it will begin to ease some of the

congestion problems experienced by the local population, which in turn impacts on businesses.

"The addition of an extra lane for junction three and four will be a major benefit, especially during peak periods and will go a long way to improving safety and easing frustration caused by long delays."