IT’S ONE of the most notorious roundabouts in Southampton.

Now, council bosses have been handed £5 million to help ease the congestion on Millbrook roundabout.

The Department for Transport have today announced the funding as part of a £75 million nationwide roads project, spread across 19 councils.

Boasting more than 50 traffic lights, Millbrook roundabout has already had almost £3 million spent on it in the last ten years and is one of the busiest roundabouts in the city.

Southampton City Council has now received more funding, aimed at replacing a concrete sub-base to improve stability, a full resurfacing and a new cycle facility.

City councillor for environment and transport, councillor Jacqui Rayment, said she was delighted with the news.

Cllr Rayment said: “Whenever we receive funding for road improvements in the city, obviously I’m delighted. It’s needed major works for a long time but the government has never given us enough money.

“Hopefully now it will be enough, and the cycle facility fits in with our new scheme.”

Millbrook councillor David Furnell added: “If there is an additional £5 million going into road improvements on Millbrook roundabout, and it includes an upgrade to cycling facilities, then I am delighted that this is happening.

“I fully support more help in encouraging better cycling facilities and provision.”

The £5 million boost will also see all traffic signal equipment upgraded as well as a new two-way cycle facility.

The funding comes amid another multi-million scheme to solve the bottlenecks on a major road that should be the gateway to Southampton.

Highways England revealed its £25 million plan to improve Redbridge Roundabout, which links the M271, the city centre, and leads the way into the New Forest.

Following a public consultation, a new left-turn slip lane will enable motorway traffic heading for the city centre to reach the A33 without stopping and the southern side of the roundabout widened to create four lanes, separating more traffic.

As part of the government’s funding, councils in England are sharing the £75 million for major road improvements, with the Southampton roundabout receiving the most funding out of all projects in the south east.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “This investment will enable councils to repair roads and key infrastructure, boosting reliability on our roads so people can stay connected with family, friends and employment.

“We are taking the big decisions for Britain’s future by investing in the infrastructure the country needs.”

The MP also added that most of the projects would be delivered within the next 12 months, but no official timescale has been given for the Millbrook works.

Nineteen projects across the country are sharing the funds after authorities were challenged to put forward schemes that could ‘make a real difference’ to road users.

The changes are aimed at cutting congestion, reducing journey times and reliability, as well as helping to support businesses.