Construction workers building a new road linking Hedge End to Fair Oak have celebrated getting halfway through the project.

Works for the new 1.2-mile travel route started in April and are set to be completed by next summer.

More than 180,000 cubic metres of soil, enough to fill 72 Olympic swimming pools, has been dug and reused within the site.

Eastleigh Borough Council says this has saved more than 20,000 lorry journeys. 

Council leader, Cllr Keith House, said: “It’s great to be able to celebrate the halfway point of this new 1.2-mile road scheme.

“It is an excellent illustration of our ‘infrastructure first’ approach to project delivery, which also includes new walking and cycling routes.”

The new road between Burnetts Lane roundabout to the south and Allington Lane roundabout to the north is part of the £11.7m One Horton Heath development that will provide 2,500 homes.

The scheme will bring new shared walking and cycling routes along with new bus facilities in preparation for future bus services.

The northern and southern gateways into the future development will be connected providing the future route for all construction traffic.

Safe crossing points will be installed along the 30mph road.