Stand by for more roadworks

From Sunday (December 1) traffic will be allowed to travel both ways over the railway flyover. But as one scheme finishes another is due to start.

On December 9 work will begin in a bid to improve traffic flow in Newhaven town centre by changing the layout of the swing bridge, Bridge Street and Riverside junctions.

President of Newhaven Chamber of Commerce Graham Amy was sceptical the changes would benefit town traders.

He said: 'The improvements, when finished, will improve the look of the town in the Bridge Street area and make access easier for pedestrians and cyclists. However, I am concerned that the changes, even when completed, will slow down traffic even more and may have a detrimental affect on town trade.'

A new signal crossing will allow pedestrians from Riverside and West Quay easier access into Bridge Street. And motorists and delivery vehicles arriving from the east will no longer have to do a complete circuit of the ring road to get to Bridge Street as it will be opened to traffic from South Way.

Work is expected to take 14 weeks and temporary traffic control and diversions will be required.

In addition, the swing bridge will be closed midweek on three nights between 12.15am and 6am. Traffic will be diverted via the A27.

The eastern entrance to Bridge Street will be closed to traffic on four occasions, twice during the swing bridge closure and on Sundays. All traffic will be able to enter Bridge Street at the western/High Street end.

The plans, which attracted support during public consultations in January, aim to reduce the problems caused by the ring road cutting the town centre off from the rest of Newhaven.

Since June, flyover roadworks, combined with swing bridge openings and railway crossing closures, have caused traffic chaos in the town centre.

East Sussex County Council's lead member for transport and environment Cllr Tony Reid said it had done its best to minimise disruption.

'We regret the inconvenience to road users which has been experienced during these essential repairs. However, a lot of planning has gone into minimising the disruption.

'Originally, it was thought that the whole viaduct would have to be closed but, realising the delays this would have caused, our engineers were able to plan the work differently to keep traffic flowing,' he said.

Flyover repairs were necessary to replace bearings, water proofing and install new safety fencing.