A27 flyover on the cards

This would form part of the proposed 137m Chichester bypass work which has been provisionally given the go-ahead.

Almost all of the cash for the bypass project has been earmarked, after the government approved a recommendation from the South East England Regional Transport Board to make the scheme a priority for its 2011 '“ 2016 transport scheme, and allocate 136m of its budget.

This only leaves 1m left to find, with work scheduled to start in 2014.

The Highways Agency has said that it will now complete its final work following the public consultation on the options, and report its recommendations to the government later this year.

Spokeswoman Kate Woods said: 'We expect to report back to ministers on the outcome of the public consultation and further scheme assessment later in the year, with a view to ministers making an announcement on the preferred options '“ possibly by the end of 2007.'

Included in the package of improvements for the A27 was a flyover above the existing Bognor Regis roundabout, and a two-level junction with a raised roundabout at the site of the existing Fishbourne roundabout, which could include a Stockbridge link road.

Other aspects of the project are expected to include a park and ride scheme, moves to give buses priority and tackle parking problems in Chichester.

The Highways Agency and West Sussex County Council also hope that the bypass scheme will improve access to employment sites in and around Chichester and be a catalyst for a regeneration of the Manhood Peninsula.

County council cabinet member for highways and transport Lieut Col Tex Pemberton said: 'A great deal of hard work and lobbying has gone into getting this scheme on the national agenda.

'The aim now is to proceed with detailed design and consultation work as we would like them to start as early as possible in the 2011-2016 period.

'The package we are putting together will greatly ease congestion and pollution not only on the A27 at Chichester, but in many rural areas which suffer from rat running by drivers anxious to avoid the trunk road.'