March 2021 Update:
Highways England are planning to identify options and hold consultations in spring summer 2022
By the end of 2021, Highways England plan to publish a document which summarises all historic work on various larger-scale improvement options, including a tunnel, bypass and grade-separated junctions.
Original Story:
Our headquarters sit just a mile south of the A27 at Lancing. A portion of the South Easts Road infrastructure which is crucial for Business, for Residents, and for Employees of the hundreds of businesses that sit North and South of the road.
It’s been a long time coming, many small improvements have been made, but it really is time for the bigger improvement project to begin, and we’re obviously right behind Highways England and their plans to improve our regions road infrastructure.
In his role of Chairman of our Business Park and Business Improvement District, our Managing Director is a key member of the local business community and has been involved in many a discussion with regional and local councils as well as business owners. The feeling amongst them all is pretty mutual. Damian confirms “We, like many, look forward to the planning and consultation stages for this project”.
“Our staff are looking forward to improved journey times into the office too.”
So, what is it all about?
Highways England reports “The A27 through Worthing and Lancing is used for local journeys but is also an important route for long distance traffic and provides access to properties. There have been some improvements along the route in recent years. However, there are many longstanding challenges around capacity, delays, journey time and reliability, safety and environment.
The proposal is to deliver a scheme which would improve travel conditions, supporting objectives relating to safety, reliability, connectivity, economy and the integration of transport modes.
Where are the trouble spots?
- Offington Corner
- Grove Lodge Roundabout
- Lyons Farm
- Sompting Road and Lights
- Busticle Lane & Grinstead Lane
These spots just were not designed and built for the level of traffic we get today. When something goes wrong on the route via an accident, lighting issues or something else then the local ‘rat runs’ fill up too, and they just can’t cope.
So… we’ll aim to keep this blog post, and you up to date with anything we see / hear or find out.
For now, take a peek at the Highways England Website for the latest update. And if you fancy a flick through 131 pages then the government’s Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2): 2020 to 2025, this is a pretty thorough report.
