A CONGESTION-busting, multi-million-pound scheme that is improving life for thousands of motorists across the country is on its way to Southampton.

The “pinch point” programme was launched three years ago, offering £317m to cut congestion, boost safety and improve journey times by tackling bottlenecks.

Now work is set to begin in Southampton, with junction 3 of the M27 its first target in a bid to support the creation of more than 12,000 jobs and more than 7,000 homes expected in the city by 2020.

There is no confirmed date for when the work will begin in the city, but plans reveal that the Highways Agency will be reducing congestion into the city by widening the westbound exit slip road, providing four lanes on all four carriageway sections and installing more traffic lights.

There will also be financial support for the Adanac Park development, the Solent Enterprise Zone, Daedulus Airfield and Southampton Port.

So far the scheme has helped in Hampshire with work on the A34/M3 junction 9 Easton Lane, which has been completed.

Motorists are already seeing the benefits, with congestion reduced by improving the signing and lane destinations, as well as supporting the generation of 595 jobs and 2,185 homes by 2020.

And currently work is being carried out on the M27 junction 5 in Eastleigh, by widening approach roads and slip roads, as well as a segregated left turn lane onto the M27 eastbound.

The Eastleigh improvements also aim to benefit the community, with investment going to development plans already in place by the Solent Enterprise Zone, Eastleigh Riverside and Southampton Airport.

And starting soon there will be redevelopments surrounding the Black Dam, Basingstoke M3 junction 6.

Drawn up by the Highways Agency, these plans are part of the biggest programme of road enhancements since the 1970s and the bulk of improvements are expected to be completed in the next seven months.

Roads Minister John Hayes said: “We are investing record amounts in motorways and major roads and every one of these pinch point schemes will deliver benefits to thousands of drivers.

“Some of the benefits are immediate, such as improved road markings to help traffic flow better through a junction. In other cases the roads are being improved now so they can accommodate local development in the future.”