WORK to construct a new bypass in Hampshire is to start this month.

The £34.5 million scheme is to start at the end of January to construct a bypass in Stubbington.

Hampshire County Council is inviting local residents and businesses to a public information event to view the plans and meet the team delivering the project.

Representatives from Hampshire County Council and contractors BAM Nuttall Ltd will be at the Holy Rood Church, Gosport Road on January 21 between 1pm and 7pm.

Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader of Hampshire County Council and executive member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: “We made a commitment to the people of Gosport and Stubbington to improve traffic and travel in South Hampshire and have worked hard to get to this stage.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to meet the team and find out more about this major project.

“This project represents a key part of the County Council’s strategy to improve access into Gosport and Fareham, to reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability for road users.

"Improving the transport network will undoubtedly encourage new investment and development into the area and provide new jobs for local people.”

The scheme aims to divert traffic around Stubbington to help reduce journey times and congestion, as well as improve transport infrastructure to encourage investment and regeneration in the area especially at the Solent Enterprise Zone.

Work is due to last for approximately 24 months.