'˜Let's build a tunnel to link to motorway'

AMBITIOUS plans have been revealed for a tunnel linking Gosport with the M27.
Campaigners want to see a tunnel linking the Isle of Wight with Gosport and the M27Campaigners want to see a tunnel linking the Isle of Wight with Gosport and the M27
Campaigners want to see a tunnel linking the Isle of Wight with Gosport and the M27

The scheme would run in tandem with a £1.2bn undersea road from Lee-on-the-Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Businessman Carl Feeney of the Pro-Link campaign group is behind the idea.

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He says the Lee-on-the-Solent route is one of three possibilities being explored by the group, with Browndown in Gosport and Daedalus Airfield near Lee-on-the-Solent being explored as alternative options.

The group says it has held encouraging discussions with the Department for Transport on the idea of the link but needs either Isle of Wight Council or the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership to commission a study before it can progress.

Mr Feeney said: ‘We think this is a win-win situation for both the island and Gosport.

‘It would solve the crippling congestion in Gosport as drivers would be able to access the tunnel in the town.

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‘We absolutely believe that if we can get a study commissioned it would show how a fixed link would provide a socio-economic benefit for the area.’

Martin Marks, chair of the Lee-on-the-Solent Residents’ Association said: ‘Any route that comes into Gosport would be a disaster traffic-wise.

‘However, if it is a tunnel that continues onwards and residents can access it, then it would make sense.

‘I know there would be a huge market for it.’

Councillor Mark Hook, leader of Gosport Borough Council said the authority had not been contacted about the idea and would need more information.

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Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, who sits on the board of the Solent LEP, said: ‘The partnership is about delivering the possible not the impossible. I doubt this project would ever be funded.’