MANY of Winchester’s roads could see a reduction in traffic and pollution once the major redevelopment of M3 junction nine is completed, according to highways chiefs.

Highways England has predicted that there is the possibility for a decrease in traffic on city centre roads between one and 25 per cent if the scheme to transform the bottleneck junction is approved.

But not all roads will benefit from the project, as Easton Lane could experience an increase in motorists of more than 25 per cent.

The predictions were aired during online webinars hosted by the project team as a public consultation continues into the proposed changes until July 8.

Phil Branchflower, a senior associate at Stantec – part of the project team, said: “The prediction of vehicle movements is still being undertaken which once completed will be used to inform our ongoing air quality assessment work, however current estimates have identified that predicted changes in traffic flows on the M3 and A34 are anticipated to be small, less than five per cent of existing levels. Within Winchester city centre we predict that many roads will benefit from a decrease in traffic flows.

“It is acknowledged that some roads may experience an increase in traffic flows for example at Easton Lane there is anticipated to be an increase in traffic flows of over 25 per cent as a result we predict the changes will result in both increase and decreases in concentrations of air pollutant in receptor locations.”

Jonny Murphy, principal environmental planner with Stantec, said that the scheme could result in “varying levels of impact to local air quality”, but more assessment works are needed to provide a definitive answer.

He added: “At this stage we don’t think that any air quality impacts to any ecological sites or species would be what’s known as significant.”

Work is also being carried out into measures to protect habitats and species present at junction nine and the surrounding roads which is deemed to be a “very sensitive area ecologically”.

Mr Murphy said: “The River Itchen is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and also a site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s also locally very important and we will be doing what we can to protect it from pollution during both construction and operation of the scheme.

“We have been undertaking survey work at the site since 2016 which gives us a good understanding of what species and habitats exist.

“During construction activities such as the removal of vegetation, potential piling and noisy machinery could result in impacts to local habits and species. However, we would be using measures to construct the scheme as sensitively as possible such as avoiding works during sensitive ecological seasons.”