Brighton: A23 Improvement Work To Begin In June

Work will get underway in the next few weeks on a scheme to improve the A23 (London Road / Preston Road) between Argyle Road and Preston Drove.

The changes, approved by the Transport and Sustainability committee last October, are designed to improve a key transport corridor for the city and make it safer and more attractive.

Information leaflets have been sent to almost 3000 homes and businesses in the area to let them know about the upcoming work.

Once finished the scheme will:

• 'enable and encourage active and inclusive travel' such as walking, cycling and wheeling through new and updated infrastructure,
• improve the overall experience for people using public transport,
• upgrade key junctions and improve road safety,
• improve access to green spaces, heritage attractions and Preston Park

The work getting underway shortly will include:

• pavement widening, 
• new cycle lanes,
• new and upgraded crossings,
• improved junctions,
• bus stop improvements.

The work is expected to take 18 months to complete and the council has pledged to do everything possible to minimise disruption throughout.

They say they will be keeping their A23 scheme webpage updated throughout the work. 

Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said:

“This is a great scheme that will really improve this key route in and out of the city.

“The changes will make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, improve junctions and bus stops, widen pavements and improve access to Preston Park.

“Whether it be on foot, by four wheels or two, we’re determined to make travelling around Brighton & Hove safer and more pleasant for everyone.”  

PHOTO: Preston Road

The A23 is identified as a high-priority strategic route for improvement in the council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), a strategic plan which identifies routes and areas in the city for improvement.

It forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 20, between Brighton & Hove and Pyecombe, but the current cycle infrastructure on the route falls short of the current national design standards for active travel.

New and upgraded crossing facilities and pedestrian spaces will make crossing the A23 and accessing the attractions on either side of the road easier and safer.

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Background

In 2020, the council were awarded £909,000 by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund (ATF) for the A23 Active Travel Scheme.

They also secured funding from developer Section 106 contributions and Brighton & Hove City Council’s Local Transport Plan fund.

A 6-week public consultation was held on the Active Travel Fund schemes, including the A23 in 2021. Further engagement took place with key stakeholders later that year and again in spring/summer of 2023.

Last October, the council’s Transport and Sustainability committee approved the scheme for construction.