The main link between Weymouth and Portland could have funding from central government to relieve traffic congestion.

Dorset County Council has revealed that the A354 between Portland and Weymouth should receive funding from the Department for Transport to enhance it as part of the Major Roads Network (MRN) plan.

The proposal put forward could see 5,000 miles of A roads are brought into scope for new funding from the National Roads Fund for upgrades and improvements.

The county council's response changes the original plan put forward by the Department for Transport which that the A354 should only be upgraded between Weymouth and Dorchester.

In the report, Dorset County Council said including Portland in the plans were essential because it would accelerate the Portland Port's growth and enhance connectivity to the island.

However, the plan did not include any plans for a western relief road in Weymouth linking Wyke Regis and Chickerell which has been in the discussion pipeline for 52 years.

It comes after key industry figures came together at a conference to discuss the western route, which has been named the Jurassic Coast Highway.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax welcomed the consultation insisting that Weymouth and Portland were behind in connectivity in comparison to other areas on the south coast such as Southampton.

He added: “The demand for something to take the pressure off Boot Hill is something I have been talking about for seven years.

“We need a better road infrastructure so that heavy good vehicles can use an alternative route to Portland Port.

“I hope that the local authority will look at this very seriously.”

Andrew Knowles, chief executive of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: "We need road infrastructure that can support the growing commercial activity on Portland.

"Anything that can improve the road network is great for local businesses."

Claudia Moore, chief operating officer at the Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID), said: "An upgrade to the A354 to Portland to enhance connectivity with the Port – I am generally in favour as the need to improve flow to and from our part of the county is crucial to supporting both our current businesses and any that are wishing to invest in the area.

"However, I would need to see the consultation results to make a more conclusive statement and also to be sure that our countryside is being adequately protected."

Bill Reeves, chief executive of Portland Port said that he would welcome any upgrade as a short-term measure but stressed that he wanted to see plans for a Jurassic Coast Highway come forward.

Cllr Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, added: Any money that goes to upgrade road infrastructure in Dorset is to be welcomed."