Changes to closure of Cuckfield Road roundabout to help Burgess Hill businesses: this is when the roadworks begin

The changes were made after businesses and residents raised concerns with Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies, WSCC councillor Pete Bradbury and MSDC councillor Robert Salisbury about a planned full closure of the junction.

The work forms part of plans to build more than 300 homes near the former sewage treatment works site, off Fairbridge Way.

The changes, which are now in place, have been agreed with WSSC Highways to retain a northern/one-way route into Cuckfield Road for all but two separate seven-day periods.

Ms Davies said she was delighted the company had helped find a solution to keep access open to Cuckfield Road, except for a very limited time.

“It is essential we support our local businesses bounce back from the pandemic,” she said.

“I know, from those who had directly approached me to assist them make progress, that they were very worried about the potentially devastating impact a full closure would have had,” she added.

The works start on February 7 with a full reopening on May 15.

The southbound closure will take place during this time, from February 9, but access will be provided northbound. A diversion route will be in place for southbound traffic.

There will be signs at the northern and southern ends of Cuckfield Road/B2036 saying that access to the golf club and all other businesses is available.

Northbound access from February 17 will not be available for HGVs because of space limitations and maintaining road safety.

Closure in both directions will be needed for one week from March 18 to allow access to the work areas not accessible in a one-way system and to make adjustments to the system.

Closure in both directions is also required for one week from May 9 to allow access to the remaining work areas that are not accessible when the one-way system is in effect.

There will be 24/7 access to the recycling centre and travellers’ site via Fairbridge Way.

FDL are accepting the additional costs for these changes to help minimise disruption to businesses and the highway network.

Ms Davies said: “This is an extensive and vital roads project as part of the greater Northern Arc works and I gratefully thank FDL for positively working with us all over the last few weeks to implement amended plans to protect these businesses and help them to thrive alongside the project.”

Councillor Pete Bradbury said: “These roadworks are a necessary but unwelcome disruption and I’m very pleased we’ve been able to find a way to help local businesses such as the Oak Barn.”

Councillor Robert Salisbury said he was ‘thrilled’ the issue had been resolved and that people travelling from Burgess Hill would be able to access businesses on Cuckfield Road.

“Northbound road access is vital to the prosperity of The Oak Barn restaurant, Burgess Hill Golf Centre and Bodle Bros,” he said.

“I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by Fairbridge Developments, who have worked with us to revise their plans and minimise the disruption for local businesses.”

An FDL spokesperson said: “We listened to the concerns raised by Mims Davies MP and her colleagues, explored a possible solution with WSCC and are pleased to have been able to find a way to reduce the original duration of road closure, improve access to Cuckfield Road while S278 works are undertaken and ameliorate the impact on local businesses.”

To find out more visit www.fairbridgewayroundabout.co.uk.