MORE than £75million is being invested in Hampshire’s roads in a year of major transport schemes.

The money, announced by Hampshire County Council’s transport chief Cllr Rob Humby, is being spent on improving the county’s highways, road safety and preventing flooding in the current financial year.

The investment comes amid several major road improvement scheme due to get under way in the coming years.

Cllr Humby said: “An investment of £75m in this current financial year demonstrates a huge commitment from the county council to improve Hampshire’s transport and infrastructure.

“The majority is funding the county council has secured primarily through competitive bidding against projects both locally and in other parts of the country. Successful partnerships working with government agencies and other authorities has also delivered funding to add to the county council’s own investment.”

Cllr Humby added: “A great deal of preparation work and expertise goes into making sure Hampshire’s competitive bids stand the best chance of success.

"We carry out early consultations with the public and engage with stakeholders to ensure the scheme designs meet the needs of communities and support the local economy.”

Among the major road improvement schemes due to get under way: are the £20m project to improve junction nine of the M27; a new bypass for Botley; improvements in Romsey town centre; and a bypass to divert traffic around Stubbington.