LIGHT rail, water taxis and widening of the A35 have all been discounted in a new bid to deal with congestion and gridlock in Christchurch.

A range of choices have been investigated by experts tasked with coming up with some viable options to deal with the worsening traffic across the borough.

They will be presented to members of Christchurch Borough Council’s policy and resources committee on Wednesday, months after councillors called for a review into the possibility of a relief road.

Last December members voted to once again explore plans for a road to bypass the centre of the town, after nearly 20 years.

Previous attempts to tackle the town’s traffic problems date back to 1993 and have included widening existing roads as well as building a brand new one.

However, following the study, it appears there is no outstanding favourable option which meets the criteria set down locally or nationally.

A number of routes and possibilities were investigated, including the previous options, along with promotion of public transport and walking and cycling, and consideration of a park and ride.

Only one bypass scheme, the ‘purple route’ could be viable for further investigation, the study from Parsons Brinckerhoff says.

This route runs north from Somerford roundabout at Sainsbury’s, under the railway line north, and connects with the Avon Causeway and the A338, east of Hurn.

The route would be a new dual carriageway (50mph) with one major junction, two major two-level junctions and ten bridge structures.

It is estimated the scheme could cost at least £113m but, the authors do not believe the purple route would represent good value for money.

Other options, including light rail, water taxis and widening of the A35, were discounted along with two other bypass routes.

However, further investigation into improvements on the A35 should be undertaken, as it could reduce congestion and improve journey times, the study adds.

Members of the committee will be asked to consider whether the council should continue to lobby for a relief road, as well as asking for a timescale for progressing the relief road for Christchurch.