Residents voice anger over ‘appalling planning’ of Chichester roadworks as traffic chaos continues
Residents have hit out at what they describe as a ‘lack of planning’ behind major gas works causing widespread traffic disruption around Chichester and the Manhood Peninsula.
The ongoing works, being carried out by SGN to replace an ageing gas main along Stockbridge Road, have led to significant delays for motorists, with residents questioning the planning process, the length of the project and the lack of suitable alternative routes.
The A286 is closed between the A27 roundabout and Grosvenor Road, with the closure expected to remain in place until November 27.
Concerns about the impact of the works were raised at a public drop-in session at Donnington Village Hall on September 2, but some residents claim their feedback was not acted upon.
Commenting on the Chichester Observer Facebook page regarding the roadworks, Mike Dicker said: “Many of us attended the drop in session at Donnington Village hall. At that meeting it was clear that West Sussex County Council West Sussex Highways and SGN had failed to plan this at all. There was no idea how much traffic would occur because the council despite allegedly working on this for 18 months has been unable to procure a traffic survey.
"They seriously believed that the proposed bypass route would be followed by all motorists and had not considered HGV and light vehicle routes. They also acknowledged that they had no plans or contingent for a road closure (accident) on the route.
"So what did they do as a result of the meeting feedback simple answer nothing. Their plan was poor and we, the residents and road users have suffered as a result. More importantly SGN are not really bothered to get the work done.
"Up to seven weeks to replace a live gas main. And this is meant to be the efficient new fast method. It’s only about 200 metres of pipe. What can possibly take so long.”
Colin Stedman also expressed concerns about the limited alternative routes available to motorists, particularly those travelling west from the Stockbridge area.
He said: “It's difficult, but it seems to be the favourite time of year to close roads, problem is in this particular venture, there is only Appledram lane as an alternative if you live in Stockbridge area and your heading west, and that is only a very narrow country lane, if a car breaks down it's game over.”
Laura Payne was equally critical of the planning behind the scheme.
She said: “I think the head of Highways has a lot of questions to answer. This is appalling planning of great magnitude.”
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for West Sussex County Council said: “We recognise the frustration SGN’s necessary gas works are causing for residents, businesses and people travelling to and from the Manhood Peninsula.
“We continue to closely monitor traffic conditions and speak regularly with SGN, its contractors and traffic management provider to identify opportunities to improve traffic flow where possible. However, any changes to traffic management arrangements must be carefully assessed to ensure they do not create unintended impacts elsewhere on the network.
“In relation to HGVs using Apuldram Lane South, there are already signs at both ends of the road displaying existing width restriction.”