A PUBLIC exhibition to showcase plans for a new multi-million pound scheme to transform a busy Basingstoke roundabout will take place next week.

As previously reported by The Gazette, the redevelopment of Black Dam roundabout was announced by the Government in 2012, as part of its national Pinch Point Programme, after the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, involving representatives from private and public sector organisations from north Hampshire and Surrey, submitted a bid for the cash.

In addition, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has put £500,000 towards the improvements and £874,000 is coming from Hampshire County Council.

The Government-backed £10million estimated project will see four lanes of northbound traffic directed into the centre of the roundabout and an additional two-arm lane is also set to be added to the roundabout to allow motorists travelling on the A30 to join the centre of the new roundabout, easing congestion for people going to the town centre and on the A339.

In addition, the scheme is set to see the realignments and widening of all approaches, the installation of safety barriers, new traffic signs, signals and street lights.

Main construction work on the improvement project is expected to begin next month after work to remove vegetation on land needed to facilitate the improvements began in July.

And representatives from the Highways Agency, Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be on hand to answer questions at the exhibition, which will be held at the Basingstoke Discovery Centre in Festival Place next Tuesday between 10.30am and 7pm.

Ed French, assistant service delivery manager at the Highways Agency, said: “This is significant improvement for this busy junction and it will bring substantial benefits to road users, business and the general public.

“The improvements we’re making will help to support the 13,220 jobs being created by the Basingstoke and Deane and Basing View developments by 2020, and will also help support local plans to create of 4,080 homes by 2020.

“We have carefully planned the work to ensure it has the least possible impact. I would advise local residents and anyone wishing to use the M3 to attend the exhibition to find out more about the work and how it may affect them.”