'Leave extra time' - Southern Rail blames A259 roadworks for replacement bus delays in Sussex

This is due to roadworks on the A259, between St Leonards Warrior Square and Bexhill, according to Southern Rail.

“Rail replacement services running between St Leonards Warrior Square and Bexhill are being delayed by local roadworks,” a service update, from Southern, read on Sunday, March 1.

“As a result, services may be delayed by up to 15 minutes.

“This is expected to continue until 20:00.”

Southern reported that daytime journeys on this route are expected to be delayed by around 15 minutes.

"This means you may also need to leave extra time to make connections between replacement buses and trains at Bexhill,” the train company added.

"Utility company roadworks are causing delays on the A259 between St Leonards Warrior Square and Bexhill. Whilst Southern are still running bus services, they are likely to take longer than usual.”

What roadworks are taking place?

AA Traffic News reported that temporary traffic signals are in place, due to gas main work on A259 Bexhill Road, both ways near Aldi. Motorists are advised to ‘expect delays’.

One Network – an online platform for motorists to plan, monitor, communicate and analyse traffic disruptions – provided further detail.

It advised that the traffic signals are in place for ‘electrical works’ on the A259 – in both directions on De La Warr Road to Brett Drive.

The works, which began on January 5, are expected to be completed by March 28, according to the one.network status.

Why are buses replacing trains?

Engineering work is taking place between Robertsbridge and Hastings, closing all lines.

Southeastern services between London Charing Cross / Tonbridge and Hastings are affected, as are Southern trains between London Victoria / Brighton and Ore, and also between Eastbourne and Ashford International.

Southeastern trains will only be able to run between London Charing Cross and Robertsbridge.

Southern said ‘accessible replacement buses’ will run between Robertsbridge and Battle. They are also in operation between Battle and Hastings, calling at all stations ‘except Crowhurst’.

A minibus will run between Battle and Crowhurst, Southern said, adding: “If you are travelling to or from Crowhurst and have additional assistance requirements we recommend you contact the Southeastern accessible travel team, send #Assist to 07866 002960 on WhatsApp or use the help point at the station so Southeastern can ensure appropriate transport is available for you.”

Southern trains are being replaced by buses between Bexhill and Hastings / Ore / Ashford International.

Southern added: “Trains between London Victoria / Brighton / Eastbourne and Bexhill will run to an amended timetable.

“Journey times will be increased when using replacement buses.

“You can plan your journey using the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner.

“For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

“You can find the pick-up and set-down location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

“Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.”

Southern advised that passengers ‘may be entitled’ to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim via www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/delay-repay-compensation