New roadworks begin in Chichester following early completion of gas works
Motorists in Chichester are being warned of fresh traffic disruption as gas mains replacement works move to another road in the city, following the early reopening of Stockbridge Road.
Work on Birdham Road got underway on Wednesday, November 11, with temporary traffic lights being introduced as part of the next phase of a major gas mains replacement project.
The work, being carried out by gas network operator SGN, will take place between The Meadows and Strides Court in Donnington.
Multi-way temporary traffic lights will be installed to manage traffic through the area, with the measures expected to remain in place for approximately four weeks.
The start of the Birdham Road works comes as welcome news for motorists travelling along Stockbridge Road, which is reopening on Tuesday, November 10, following the completion of its gas mains replacement works ahead of schedule.
The road had been closed since October 10 between the A27 Stockbridge roundabout and Grosvenor Road, with the project originally expected to take around seven weeks.
However, following discussions with West Sussex County Council, SGN brought in additional crews and carried out work at weekends to speed up progress.
The council's Network Management compliance team inspected the reinstated carriageway on Tuesday morning to ensure it met the required standards, before SGN began removing its equipment.
The reopening will also see temporary traffic lights at Sidlesham Triangle and Appledram Lane, which were installed to manage diverted traffic, removed.
The Stockbridge Road closure had caused significant disruption for residents and commuters travelling between Chichester and the Manhood Peninsula, with traffic diverted through Hunston.
West Sussex County Council acknowledged the frustration caused by the works, thanking residents and road users for their patience.
The wider project is aimed at replacing ageing gas mains to provide a safer and more reliable supply to homes and businesses, while reducing the likelihood of future emergency repairs and unexpected road closures.
The Birdham Road phase will now continue the programme, with motorists advised to allow extra time for their journeys while the temporary traffic management remains in place.
Bus services are also expected to be affected by the wider programme, although Stagecoach has confirmed that services 52 and 53 will return to their normal routes and timetables from Wednesday, November 11, following the reopening of Stockbridge Road.
Anyone with questions about the duration or arrangements for the Birdham Road works is being advised to contact SGN.