In response to recent correspondence about the Brighton Hill roundabout, I would like to highlight to your readers the many benefits this very important scheme will bring to the local area.

This is a £20m major road infrastructure scheme, so consequently it has been a very complex engineering project to deliver, with most of the cost being funded by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (EM3 LEP).

The roundabout improvements have been specifically designed to reduce congestion and traffic queues so that drivers and buses can get around Basingstoke more quickly, with fewer delays. It has delivered wider lanes, new traffic signals – to make traffic-flow more efficient – and also new pedestrian-friendly crossings, and a separate, three-metre-wide, walking and cycling route, linking directly to Brighton Hill Community School and the wider cycling network.

READ MORE: Council says Brighton Hill Roundabout works are 'complete'

At a time when we are all more mindful of greener ways to travel, this route will help people to cycle and walk in a far safer and more attractive environment. As part of the project the existing subways, which were ageing and expensive to maintain, have been taken out of service and filled in.

Funding transport infrastructure is crucial, not only for everyone using the roads, but also for the wider economy. With the roundabout being located close to the M3 and part of the gateway to the area for businesses, efficient traffic-flow is vital.

Investment decisions taken by the county council are made carefully, to ensure clear and tangible benefits for local people, businesses and service users, and also value for money for the taxpayer. We will continue to take this approach.

Cllr Nick Adams-King

Lead Cabinet Member for Universal Services

Hampshire County Council

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