The Major Roads Network (MRN) consultation, which has now begun, proposes that 5,000 miles of A road are brought into scope for new funding from the National Roads Fund for upgrades and improvements.
Under the proposals in the consultation, each successful bid will be eligible for up to £100 million of government funding under the proposals and will help cut congestion, unlock housing and boost economic growth.
Upgrade schemes which could be considered are bypasses, missing links between existing routes, road widening, major junction improvements and the use of technological and safety enhancements along stretches of the network.
The strategy is being developed to address traffic congestion issues and support the future housing and regeneration plans for the town and wider urban area.
Under the proposals, road upgrades will be developed by councils and, where possible, sub-national transport bodies – a regional body that influences funding decisions such as Transport for the North.
From 2020 the National Roads Fund will be paid for by Vehicle Excise Duty, which raised about £6 billion last year.
The consultation on the A roads that will make up the MRN began on December 23 and will last for 12 weeks until March 23.
Three schemes in the region have been identified by the Department for Transport for potential improvements:
A354 between Weymouth and Dorchester.
A37 between Yeovil and Dorchester.
A35 between Bere Regis and Lytchett Minister near Poole.