Contractors named for controversial link road

A joint venture between Hochtief and Vinci has won the contract for the detailed design and construction of the road.

They are set to design and build a 5.6km single-carriageway road between the A259 in Bexhill and the B2092 Queensway in Hastings.

The scheme will link the outskirts of Bexhill and Hastings, and provide access to areas that have been identified for regeneration as well as ease congestion and improve air quality on the A259 at Glyne Gap.

The joint venture beat tough competition from other major contractors to win the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract. Works are planned to start on site in the summer of 2010 with the road expected to be open to traffic by the end of 2012, subject to the outcome of the public inquiry into compulsory purchase orders and government approval.

Opposition to the scheme is strong, with groups such as the Hastings Alliance and Friends of the Earth saying the road will irreparably damage the Combe Valley, a site of special scientific interest.

The Hastings Alliance also fears money to essential services may be cut as the costs of building the link road escalate. A gap of 33m in funding has been identified by the county.

Hastings Alliance chairman Nick Bingham said: "If the council does not put in any additional money then the scheme may be cancelled or proceed at the cost of lost money to other vital services.

"In the spring of 2008, the Hastings Alliance for Sustainable Transport Solutions offered to work with East Sussex County Council to help develop a truly sustainable alternative to the costly and environmentally damaging Bexhill to Hastings link road. The offer is still on the table.

"This road scheme looks less and less attractive as it becomes more expensive '“ there is an urgent need for a radical rethink.

"Throwing millions at a scheme of dubious value at the risk of cutting essential services to those in need cannot be justified."

The county council says the scheme has been designed to avoid the more significant environmentally sensitive areas and comprises large areas of landscaping and planting to enable the link road to blend in.

The county and the link road's supporters hope it will provide transport conditions needed to help regenerate the area, including access to new business space that will provide jobs as set out in plans for Sidley Goods Yard, economic benefits by helping businesses operate more efficiently by improving journey reliability, and access for developers to build housing and business development.

Close to the link road a separate traffic-free 'greenway' is planned, allowing cyclists, walkers and horse riders to enjoy the proposed Pebsham Countryside Park and wildlife area.

Councillor Matthew Lock said: "The link road is essential for the future regeneration of Hastings and Bexhill.

"It'll bring real benefits to the two towns, including better access to jobs; fewer cars using roads that aren't suitable; opportunities for housing and business development; access to education and a reduction in the number of accidents on local roads."

For more information about plans for the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road, visit website www.eastsussex.gov.uk/linkroad