The proposals focus on Totton and the Waterside area and are designed to improve journeys for all road users. The A326 is the main access route to the Solent Gateway and Solent Gateway 2 Freeport sites, Fawley Refinery, Fawley Waterside and several growing communities along the Waterside. The improvement scheme aims to increase road capacity, reduce congestion on the A326 and surrounding routes, improve walking and cycling facilities, reduce ‘rat-running’ through the New Forest National Park, and improve air quality. The improvements would support ambitious plans for economic growth, job creation, and new housing.
Whilst recognising its strategic importance, the County Council has been clear that it cannot fund or underwrite the scheme. Submitting the Outline Business Case (OBC) enables the DfT to consider contributing up to 85% of the scheme’s £187 million cost. Discussions with potential funding partners to gain match funding for the remaining amount will continue. A decision from the Department for Transport is expected later this year.
In addition, the Local Authority is soon to submit detailed planning applications to both Hampshire County Council and the New Forest National Park Authority. These submissions will allow residents, businesses, community groups and environmental organisations to review the plans and formally comment.
Councillor Kirsty North, the County Council’s Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said: “Improving the A326 is essential to keeping people, goods and businesses moving in this fast-growing part of Hampshire. The Solent’s maritime economy already supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions of pounds to the region, acting as a vital gateway to European and global markets. These upgrades would make journeys quicker and more reliable, not just for today’s communities but for the growth we know is coming.”
Councillor Lulu Bowerman, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, added: “We also know that heavy traffic and ‘rat-running’ has have a negative impact on local people and on the New Forest National Park environment. This investment would help ensure the transport network keeps pace with the Solent’s huge potential – strengthening connectivity, supporting local prosperity and creating the conditions for long-term economic success. The submission of proposals to Government, and into the relevant planning processes, marks a critical step forward in progressing this ambitious project to the next stage.”
The proposals include:
- Junction upgrades at eight locations;
- Two sections of new dualling and road widening;
- A new junction at the Pilgrim Inn to improve access to Marchwood;
- Seven new controlled crossings;
- Measures to support safer walking and cycling in three locations.
Extensive environmental assessments have been undertaken to support these submissions, particularly within the New Forest National Park, to ensure impacts are carefully managed. Proposals for the New Forest area include reducing traffic on unsuitable routes, lowering noise levels, improving air quality, cutting animal casualties and delivering extensive new planting and biodiversity enhancements.
If funding and approvals are secured, the earliest start of main works would be spring 2029, with construction anticipated to take around three and a half years. Work would be delivered in phases, with several smaller construction areas operating for different durations, and many activities - such as earthworks - taking place away from the existing carriageway to reduce disruption.
Read more on the scheme's dedicated webpage.