PLANS to fund a multi-million pound congestion-battling scheme on a busy Hampshire road have been approved by civic chiefs.

Hampshire County Council’s transport boss Rob Humby gave the go-ahead to collate cash for the around-£13.5 million scheme, which includes widening the northern part of Hamble Lane – between the Tesco access and Portsmouth Road junction – to provide a second lane for southbound traffic.

Other improvements include installing new traffic signals at the junctions for A3025/Portsmouth Road; A27/Portsmouth Road; Jurd Way; and also at the Satchell Lane and Hound Road junctions with Hamble Lane.

Cllr Humby said: “We’ve asked local people their views on our plans, and engaged with parish councils, schools and the business community. I’d like to thank all of those who have taken the time to talk to us, and I’m pleased to hear that our plans have such widespread local support.

“In response to local feedback, we’ll now make some minor modifications to the scheme plans and press ahead with design and development so we’re ready to bid for funding as soon as opportunities become available for these much-needed improvements to reduce journey time delays for residents and commuters.”

However, as reported, total funding for the scheme is still being sought.

Nevertheless, following the approval by the county authority, £3 million – raised through developer contributions – has been made available for the project, with government fund bidding also taking place to secure more.

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies has also pledged to try to help secure funding.

Other changes to the road network will also be implemented when the scheme is finally completed.

These will include a movement restriction at the Tesco junction to allow left-turns in and left-turns out only, with a new U-turn slip provided from Hamble Lane northbound to allow traffic to access the unit.

A new access from the Tesco car park onto the A27 and a shared-use footway and cycleway on the eastern side of Hamble Lane have also been proposed.

As previously reported, the nearby junction 8 of the M27 is the subject of a separate Highways England scheme that will see the Windhover Roundabout widened and facilities improved for cyclists and pedestrians.