Plans revealed to improve Exceat Bridge

East Sussex County Council (ESCC) is developing plans to replace the bridge at Exceat with a new two-lane, two-way system, which it says will improve traffic flow.

The proposals also include safer crossing points for pedestrians, according to ESCC, whilst taking into consideration the landscape and environmental sensitivities of the area.

The county council is asking for people to share their views as part of a public consultation which will help inform the final planning application.

The consultation period opened today (Monday, July 13) and will close on August 7.

The planning application will be submitted to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) in early 2021, and a planning decision by SDNPA is hoped to have been made by the summer of 2021.

In a planning document, ESCC said, “It is a one-way single-lane bridge which means that peak traffic backs up in both directions.

“It was extensively repaired in the 1970s, but the bottleneck for traffic still exists.

“This is frustrating for drivers and unpleasant for cyclists and pedestrians who need to cross the road twice to access the footway on the north side.”

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield has urged residents to take part in the public consultation.

She said, “I have been campaigning for a long time to see a new two way bridge at Exceat to allow free flowing traffic and easier pedestrian and cycle access so I am pleased to see this next step taking place.

“It is important that the new bridge is sympathetic to the surroundings of the South Downs National Park, but commuters will know that it must be built. I am encouraging everyone with an interest to please take part in the consultation.”

To view the proposals and public consultation survey, visit https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/exceat-replacement-bridge-project/

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