WINCHESTER’S MP met the National Highways team for an update on the proposed revamp of the M3 Junction 9.
Following the planning inspectorate’s report which was issued to the secretary of state for transport, Steve Brine discussed the progress of the improvement works with National Highways and its contractor Volker Fitzpatrick.
Mr Brine said: “I’m incredibly grateful to the team for giving me a clear and concise update on the plans.
“Improvements to Junction 9 have been a long-standing ambition of mine, going back beyond even the 14 years I have been our MP and I know most my constituents will be relieved to know we are nearly there.
READ MORE: M3 Junction 9: Winchester City Council environmental concerns
“We are of course now in a waiting game with all eyes on Mark Harper as secretary of state for transport, but I shall be keep close tabs on developments before and after a decision is made.”
Tom Beasley, of National Highways, said: “I’m pleased that the next important milestone for this project has been reached and that the recommendation report has been issued from the Planning Inspectorate to the Secretary of State. The improvement of Junction 9 and the congestion relief it will bring is vitally important not only to the local community but to the wider region.”
The secretary of state for transport, Mark Harper MP, has until May 17 to respond to the planning inspectorate’s report. A positive decision will allow construction to start in January 2025 and be completed in 2027.
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