A WYKE Regis bypass is back on the agenda as authorities examine ways to support growth in western Dorset with a strategic economic plan.

Although environmentally sensitive, the Western Route relief road between Chickerell and Ferrybridge has been described as the ‘missing link’ in a road network that includes the Chickerell Link Road and Weymouth Relief Road.

It is not contained in any development plans, but it is now being investigated as part of the Western Dorset Growth Corridor, particularly in light of growth on Portland and a need to relieve the busy A354 corridor through Wyke.

It was thought allowing development at the Ferrybridge Inn this year would block any chances of it being built – and the county council has previously highlighted engineering difficulties, effects on environmental designations and a lack of funding to build it.

But the case for it is being probed again against a background of economic growth and traffic management.

Economic development spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council Cllr Mike Byatt said: “We have to ensure we have the right infrastructure to deliver the economic agenda. We will be investigating to see if this is the right way forward.”

Council management committee chairman Cllr Ian Bruce said there was a ‘renewed consensus’ to get the road built. He said allowing development at Ferrybridge does not stop it as an alternative route away onto the A354 further north can be found.

He added: “The road is very much alive although it’s very early days. We’re not going to be launching a bid for funding until we establish the economic viability.”

Portland Port has been enjoying a cruise ship boom and there are plans for high-profile tourist attractions like Jurassica and MEMO, which are expected to attract thousands of visitors to the island.

Ian McQuade, general manager (commercial) at Portland Port said: “It is clear that as the port grows and develops, increased traffic will be added to the already congested route through Wyke.

“When this is added to the likely increased traffic generated by the development of Osprey Quay, Jurassica, the MEMO Project and other Portland-based businesses it is clear that a long-term solution needs to be found and that the Western Relief Road would represent one such solution.”

Jurassica project co-ordinator Alison Smith said: "We spoke a lot about this at our big weekend event to residents who asked us about traffic.

“Jurassica is one piece of a jigsaw; there are a significant number of proposed projects for West Dorset that are part of the new strategic Western Dorset Growth Corridor plan. There’s no question that something needs to happen to improve traffic in the area.

“It is impossible (for us) to know if this road will help. We therefore cannot take a position either way.

“We have committed to work with the relevant authorities and other projects and developments on matters of transport and this work has already started. It’s very early days for this new strategic plan from the councils and we are very supportive of their approach. We have already consulted with local residents and will continue to do so in order that we have as fuller picture of the current traffic situation as we can possible have.”