Ditchling Road Dug Up Days After Resurfacing For Emergency Works

A major stretch of Ditchling Road had to be dug up for gas and water work just days after being resurfaced.

The road between Fiveways and the Viaduct Road/Upper Lewes Road junction was closed overnight for resurfacing, with the final section south of Vere Road completed on Wednesday 12 November by contractors working for Brighton and Hove City Council.

However, temporary traffic lights were in place just two days later near Warleigh Road, and again from Monday 17 November at Bromley Road, as Southern Water and Southern Gas Networks carried out emergency works.

Labour councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, acknowledged the timing was frustrating but said the works were necessary.

“Both Southern Gas Networks and Southern Water had to carry out emergency works on the newly resurfaced section of Ditchling Road,” he said.

“We appreciate that the timing is frustrating and very disappointing, but these were unplanned and necessary to maintain safety and essential services.

"The council is working closely with both contractors to ensure the road surface is reinstated to a standard as close as possible to the recent resurfacing.”

Motorists are advised to allow extra time when travelling along Ditchling Road while the works are completed.