An executive at the helm of plans to build a western relief road linking Wyke Regis and Chickerell is urging residents to continue support for the scheme and “keep up the momentum.”

Ideas for the congestion-busting route, named the Jurassic Coast Highway, have been in the pipeline for around half a century but were given a boost near the end of last year.

Key industry players, including councillors and local traders, came together for the first time at a conference in November to engage in talks over how the scheme could lead to economic and social growth in the area.

Advocates have said the road, which could potentially cost hundreds of millions of pounds to build, is necessary to meet rising tourist demand due to the growth of Portland Port as a major cruise ship destination.

In an update, Bill Reeves, CEO of Portland Port, said: “We held a really constructive meeting with local authorities which has helped our understanding of what we are trying to achieve.

“It’s not just about the port, it’s about other business interests in the area and the local community who will all benefit from it.

“We’ll move this forward step by step. I’m hoping there’s going to be enough local support to keep up the momentum. It’s all well for me to hold a transport conference but there’s a proper due process to go through.

“If you’ve got a good economic case and can mitigate environmental impact, you’ve got a better chance of finding funding.”

The route would link the A354 at Ferrybridge with the B3157 Chickerell Road at the Link Road junction, bypassing the A354 through built-up areas including Wyke and Boot Hill.

The scheme has the support of both West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin and South Dorset MP Richard Drax.

Speaking to the Echo this week, Mr Drax said: “We need to get traffic out of the centre of Weymouth and more importantly, create better access to Portland Port which is expanding its commercial traffic.

“If we have more infrastructure it will attract more businesses to the area which is something we are desperately trying to do. I know there may be some who are against it for environmental reasons."

Mr Drax said the organisational team would work closely with Natural England and the Environment Agency to ensure environmental damage was kept to a minimum.

He added: “Sometimes we have to consider the humans who could benefit. While we care for the animals of course, if we can provide jobs and prosperity then that’s what we need to do.”

As revealed by the Echo, roads across Dorset could benefit from a £100million cash injection from central government.

Following the announcement, Mr Drax stressed potential funding should be used to construct the western relief road.

A spokesman for Dorset County Council confirmed discussions are ongoing with Portland Port and the Dorset Councils Partnership.