PLANS for a multi-million bypass project are set to be given the go-ahead by Hampshire’s transport chief next week.

Initial work on the £34.5m Stubbington Bypass is set to be approved by Hampshire County Council transport portfolio holder Cllr Rob Humby at his decision day on July 11.

The 3.5km road to the south of Fareham and the north-west of Stubbington will alleviate traffic congestions and support long-term plans for regeneration and economic development, including improved access to Gosport and the Enterprise Zone at Daedalus.

The project will be funded jointly by Hampshire County Council contributing £8.5m and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership who will pass on £25.7 million to the project.

Cllr Humby said: “We’ve made a commitment to the people of Gosport and Stubbington to tackle local traffic problems, and I look forward to seeing the next stage in the bypass plans.

“This bypass is the final part of a package of road improvements we’ve made in South Hampshire in the past few years, and once complete, will enable long term plans for regeneration and economic prosperity to become a reality.”

Councillor Chris Wood, who represents Stubbington on Fareham Borough Council, said: “The bypass which has been talked about for more than 40 years is finally a step closer to reality.

“It’s essential that we relieve the traffic congestion in Stubbington which is a major problem and improve access to the wider Gosport Peninsula and the Solent Enterprise Zone.”

The project comes as part of multi-million pound package of investment into roads in the area including improvements to Newgate Lane, Peel Common roundabout, St Margaret’s roundabout and the A27 from Fareham rail station towards Segensworth roundabout through Titchfield.

Works on the bypass scheme will start in January, 2019 when the council will start to acquire the land and following this construction will take approximately two years.