Chichester road to reopen following early completion of gas works
A road in Chichester, which had been shut since October, is expected to reopen after gas mains replacement works were completed ahead of schedule, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) have confirmed.
Stockbridge Road was closed on October 10 to allow SGN to carry out the essential works, causing disruption for residents and motorists travelling around the peninsula.
The council said it had worked closely with SGN throughout the project to address the impact on the local community and reduce delays for road users.
Following discussions, SGN agreed to speed up the programme by bringing in additional crews to work at weekends, helping to complete the work earlier than originally anticipated.
WSCC's Network Management compliance team inspected the site on Tuesday (November 10) morning to ensure the carriageway had been reinstated to the required standard. SGN is now removing its equipment, with the road expected to be fully reopened at midnight.
The reopening will also see the removal of temporary traffic lights at the Sidlesham Triangle junction and on Appledram Lane, which have been used as part of the diversion route. The temporary left-turn lane at the A27 junction with Stockbridge Road will also be removed.
Although the Stockbridge Road works are now complete, the wider gas mains replacement project will move into its second phase on Wednesday, November 11.
The next stage will take place on Birdham Road, between The Meadows and Strides Court, where multi-way temporary traffic lights will be introduced to manage traffic.
The works are expected to continue for approximately four weeks.
A spokesperson for West Sussex County Council said: “WSCC fully understands the frustrations of those who have been delayed due to these works and thanks everyone for their patience whilst they were undertaken.
“Any questions relating to the duration of the works or the details of the next phase should be submitted to SGN.”