Stubbington Bypass project faces risk from unexploded ordnance

Hampshire County Council has been forced to carry out critical work for the Stubbington Bypass – a 3.5km road from Gosport Road to Titchfield Road.

The news comes following a magnetic ground survey, which identified a number of metallic objects.

With Solent Airport – previously HMS Daedalus – across the road, it is believed that these objects are likely to be unexploded ordnance, such as shells and grenades which still pose a risk of detonation.

Deputy leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Rob Humby, said: ‘In line with our policy to focus on essential and safety related highways work only during the coronavirus outbreak, works to support the preparation of the construction of the Stubbington Bypass will be carried out next week.

‘This involves the removal or potential unexploded ordnance, should it be present, and the removal of felled trees and shrubs across the construction site.

‘This work will be taking place away from the highway and any buildings; contractors will be following national guidelines on social distancing at all times, and there is no reason to anticipate any contact at all with members of the public.’

Work to construct the bypass has been put on hold as a result of the virus outbreak, but Hampshire County Council insists it will re-start when it is safe to do so.

Mike Critchley, a retired naval Lieutenant Commander living in Gosport, said discoveries like that at the bypass site are ‘part of life when you live in a military area’.

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‘Hundreds of items were found when Portsmouth Harbour was dredged before HMS Queen Elizabeth came in,’ he said.

‘My experience is it's not usually high-powered, big bangs, but quite small phosphorus shells – it could be something jettisoned off an aircraft.'

He added: ‘It's speculation that because they are close to what was a military airfield it could be something that was dropped 70 years ago from there, but it's a good job it has been found now.’

The bypass is a £34.5m project to improve traffic flow for the Gosport peninsula.

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