Finishing date revealed for St Leonards ‘road to nowhere’ that was due to be completed in 2016

The Queensway Gateway Road was originally slated for completion in November 2016 but was beset by a series of delays.

The only stretch of the road which has yet to be completed is its final connection to the A21.

The final part was due to be completed by December 31, 2024.

But in January, East Sussex Highways said it would be spring.

Then, in April, another update said it would be the summer.

The saga has provoked much criticism over the years, including Hastings MP Helena Dollimore who said the roadworks have been ‘wreaking havoc’ on the area.

She raised the issue in parliament where Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons, dubbed it the 'road to nowhere'.

Now, East Sussex County Council has revealed that the project, aimed to improve traffic flow and transport links between Bexhill and Hastings, is nearing completion.

A spokesperson said: “We anticipate the final stage of the project to be complete by Sunday 31 August 2025 with the road re-opened before the new school year starts.”

They added: "East Sussex County Council and its contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places are delivering the final phase of the project which links Queensway with the A21 Sedlescombe Road North."

Cllr Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council, said: “This extremely important project will make a real difference to traffic flow and make it quicker and easier to travel between Hastings and Bexhill.

“We appreciate that work on this major project has caused disruption to road users and apologise for any delays, but we hope they will soon be reaping the significant benefits the new road will bring.”

The project includes the permanent closure of Junction Road and the creation of a public right of way and cycle path, as well as major improvements to the A21 Sedlescombe Road North, with the installation of new traffic signals.

Work has been completed on site including the relocation of a water main by Southern Water and the removal of 3,000 cubic metres of earth from an embankment – the equivalent to about eight standard swimming pools, said the council.

Contractors also had to carry out remedial work along Whitworth Road, essential to the reopening of the road, and install new drainage and gullies as well as a new traffic island and signals.

A period of monitoring will follow the opening of the road to ensure traffic is flowing smoothly, the council added.