ONE of Hampshire’s worst traffic bottlenecks could be removed under a £130m congestion-busting plan.

The A326 Totton bypass, which carries thousands of cars and lorries every day, would be converted into a dual carriageway under the proposals.

A stretch between Calmore and Netley Marsh would be widened to improve traffic flows.

The road carries an above average number of heavy goods vehicles serving businesses such as Fawley Refinery and the Marchwood incinerator.

The A35 Southampton to Christchurch road will also be upgraded if the Government agrees to release the money.

A report presented to the executive member for environment, Mel Kendal, said the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire was calling for another 1,670 homes to be built in the Waterside area.

The report added: “There is a potential future need to upgrade the A326.

“The approaches to the A326/A336 junction are congested northbound in the morning peak and southbound in the evening peak, reflecting the ‘tidal’ nature of flows on the route.

“Demand could increase further if major development were to come forward in the Waterside area.”

The report acknowledged that a flyover at Netley Marsh would enhance traffic flow.

However, it highlighted the cost of building the necessary infrastructure and warned that the scheme would have a “severe impact” on the landscape.

The report also revealed that major improvements could be carried out to the A35 if the money became available.

Robert Giddings, chairman of Netley Marsh Parish Council, said his authority had not received official notification of the latest proposals. However, he said the council would welcome measures that tooks traffic away from the A336 through the village.

Mr Giddings said the road was used by a lot of HGVs and that, although it was an A-road, it was not really suitable for heavy lorries.