Urgent action demanded after closure of major road between Horsham and Crawley
Urgent long-term action is being demanded after a major road between Horsham and Crawley was shut for days because of flooding.
The A264 westbound was closed near Kilnwood Vale last week by highway chiefs at West Sussex County Council – sparking chaos for drivers and the launch of a public petition.
The road was expected to remain shut until February 5 but the council said today (Monday January 26) that the road has now been partially reopened – although it warned it could shut again.
It follows an outpouring of public anger with people complaining of having to take hour-long detours on journeys that normally take 10 minutes. Local businesses said they were losing trade and nearby residents said they had difficulties in accessing their own homes. And they complained that flooding problems in the area had been going on for years with nothing being done about it.
Meanwhile, residents in nearby local villages – whose roads were being used by drivers to avoid the A264 – expressed safety concerns about the increased traffic in their areas.
A spokesperson for West Sussex County Council said: “We are working closely with local landowners and carrying out investigations to identify the cause of the flooding so the issue can be resolved as quickly as possible.
“In the meantime to keep the route open, whilst ensuring the safety of road users, a single‑lane closure with a reduced speed limit has been introduced on the A264.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will be inspecting the site each morning and afternoon to assess conditions. If water levels rise, or circumstances change in a way that could compromise public safety, there may be the need to reinstate a full road closure.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of people on the Kilnwood Vale estate have signed a petition calling for immediate action ‘to resolve the ongoing flooding on the A264, which critically affects our right to safe, timely, and unhindered access to our homes.’ See https://c.org/N5C46cBhFw
Organiser Viviane Allen said: “The A264 closure has brought significant challenges not only to Kilnwood Vale residents but also to surrounding communities and users. From commuters heading to work and school to those attending medical appointments and emergency services, the impact is profound and far-reaching.”
The petition urges the council to ‘implement effective flood management strategies to prevent future flooding on A264 and to ensure the A264 is permanently accessible by all users guaranteeing consistent and safe access to the surrounding towns.’
They also want to be able to access Kilnwood Vale from the Sullivan Drive roundabout at Bewbush – currently shut to through traffic – and to ‘co-ordinate with all involved parties to ensure a collaborative and sustainable solution.’