The Government confirmed the latest budget as the scheme was granted ministerial approval today despite site preparation work starting five months ago.

The job is being carried-out by a joint venture of VolkerFitzpatrick and Balfour Beatty and will be instrumental in unlocking sites for 2,000 new homes around Winchester.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Anyone who uses this junction knows how frustrating it can be. But our £290 million investment will save thousands of hours for commuters, tourists and freight every week, unlocking the true potential of our ports to deliver economic growth.”

The scheme will see the number of lanes on the M3 increased from three to four through the junction as it passes under a wider gyratory, with free-flowing links between the M3 and the A34 in both directions.

Several new, safer routes for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will also be built, connecting Kings Worthy and Winnall and Long Walk and Easton Lane.