West Sussex flooding: Council issues update on multiple road closures including A29, B2141 and B2166
A new road closure has been reported in the Chichester district, amid ongoing flooding across the county.
West Sussex Highways reported – on Wednesday morning (February 11) – that B2141 Chilgrove Road is closed at the junction with the A286, to Binderton Lane.
“Chilgrove Road was closed overnight due to flooding,” a social media read.
“The site is due to be inspected this morning and we will update you when we have further information.”
An update at 3.45pm read: “Following reports of flooding yesterday evening and a site inspection today, the B2141 at Chilgrove has been closed from its junction with the A286 to Hylters Lane.
“A signed diversion route is in place. Access for residents is being maintained.”
The council department also confirmed that Lower Bognor Road remains closed, after an inspection on Wednesday morning.
It added: “Flooding remains across both carriageways (northbound and southbound), so the road will remain closed at this time. We are monitoring conditions and will provide a further update when the situation changes. Please avoid the area and follow the signed diversions.”
B2166 Lagness Road – from the Hunston Roundabout to the Walnut Tree – is ‘currently open’ and the county council has ‘requested for the signage to be removed’.
Meanwhile, a collision was reported near the Shripney Road flooding incident. The A29 – at the Saltbox roundabout in Bersted – has been closed since Monday, February 2.
AA Traffic News reported today: “Partially blocked and slow traffic due to crash on A259 Rowan Way eastbound at the A29 (McDonalds roundabout).”
The collision has been dealt with, easing traffic congestion, but the A29 remains closed.
The latest county council update, at 1pm on Wednesday, read: “Our contractors have finished installing a temporary ramp over the flooding at Sack Lane to enable vehicle access for all residents. This will remain in place until the weather conditions improve and the road is clear of flood water
“Shripney Road will remain closed to all non-residents and non-local business users due to the current water level.
“We are working on site to try and relieve the wider flooding issues on the A29 and will provide further updates as necessary. We thank residents for their patience and understanding.”
The MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton said she shares public concern about ongoing flooding.
Alison Griffiths MP wrote on social media: “Thank you to everyone who has left a comment on my recent Facebook posts; several hundred and counting. I am reading through them all and noting down the points that are being made. I am hearing your frustration, your anger, loudly and clearly.
“First, if you have been affected, or you need my assistance with any flooding related matter, please can you write to me directly with an overview of the issue. I don't want any urgent problems to be missed amongst the wider strength of feeling that is being expressed. The quickest route is via email: [email protected].
“Second, I agree with you. Entirely. The ongoing flooding problems we're experiencing are not acceptable. All the points that you've raised - the building on flood plains, inadequate drainage, the need for dredging, for channels and gullies to be cleared, for the catchment basin upstream to better retain water, and yes, for the agencies responsible for sorting it to be held accountable – are ones that need to be addressed.”
The flooding has caused a highway operative to be 'struck' by a car, highlighting the dangers posed by drivers ignoring road closures.