Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has celebrated a major boost to local transport infrastructure as an £8.5million investment package was confirmed.
One of the area's key local roads, Newgate Lane, is set to be transformed by the multi-million pound development. The work on the strategically important road, which connects the Gosport District with Fareham, will begin in early 2014.
The full funding package was given the go-ahead last week, as Secretary of State Eric Pickles confirmed that a loan from the Solent LEP's Growing Places Fund would make up the final amount required. This is in addition to over £4million directly invested by Hampshire County Council, and a contribution from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
MP Caroline Dinenage welcomed the significant infrastructure investment, which will transform access to the Solent Enterprise Zone and improve traffic flow to and from the peninsula.
She said:
"Transport infrastructure is such a major issue in our area, and I've fought since my election for improvements. The location of the Solent Enterprise Zone on the Daedalus site has confirmed the strategic importance of this road, and I'm delighted that everyone involved has worked together to secure this key investment. This multi-million pound package will significantly improve travel via Newgate Lane and will be a major boost for commuters, businesses and our local economy".
The work on Newgate Lane will include widening to a dual carriageway between the Longfield and Speedfields junctions, the development of segregated, shared cycleway/footways, and traffic capacity enhancements at the Peel Common Junction. More information on the improvements will be available from Hampshire County Council as the scheme's proposals are finalised.
