RADICAL plans to turn parts of the M27 into an eight lane superhighway have moved a step closer.

The Daily Echo revealed the proposals in 2003 but today government transport bosses said they had agreed the project in principle and were ready to start looking for funding.

The announcement comes soon after the Highways Agency carried out a study into the effects of adding a fourth lane on both carriageways between junctions 11 and 13 (Fareham and Cosham) and junctions three and four (the M271 and Chilworth Common).

Within the next few days the Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling, will receive all the background details and a decision is expected by the summer.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: "We have to show that it actually works in practice.

"We will report to ministers on both these schemes and then ministers will make a decision."

The multi-million-pound jam busting scheme is part of a £7 billion package announced by Mr Darling in 2003 and covered by the Echo.

At the time Jill Baston, Southampton City Council's Cabinet member for the environment and transport, said the scheme would be very welcome.

She said: "In terms of widening the M27, if that can be done to the environmental standards, then that's great news."

The widening of the M27 between junctions 11 and 12 has also been welcomed by the Gosport Borough Council leader and member of the Solent Transportation Panel, Peter Edgar.

He said: "I think it will be a tremendous benefit to people passing through but most of all to residents.

"It's a local community road and that's how it has developed."

Widening between junctions three and four will cost £25 million and between 11 and 12 the scheme will cost £15 million.

An environmental impact assessment has been carried out as the grass verges on both sides of the motorway will need to be removed to make way for the fourth lane.