Improvements To Part Of A259 To Begin In October - Delays Expected

Improvements to the A259 between Bognor and Chichester will begin on October 3 and continue until mid-December.

It's all part of the Active Travel improvements package for cyclists and pedestrians and is being funded by the Department for Transport from its Active Travel Fund.

The aim of the project is to provide extra facilities to encourage walking and cycling. It will include:

• A new signalised ‘Toucan’ crossing for cyclists and pedestrians using the existing shared path and to replace the traffic island on the busy A259 near Marsh Lane, east of the Drayton roundabout

• A lower 50mph speed Limit on the A259 from the Drayton roundabout towards Bognor Regis – essential for the introduction of the stand-alone, traffic signal-controlled crossing

• Building lengths of new footway at each of the Merston Corner bus stops
   
• Real Time Passenger Information displays will be installed at both bus stops

Work is scheduled to begin on October 3, subject to unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather.

For the protection of both the public and workforce, temporary traffic lights will be in operation from 19 October, so road users are advised to expect delays and should allow more time for their journeys.

The council has suggested that, during the works, cyclists and pedestrians should try to use alternative crossing points on the A259, such as the uncontrolled crossing point just south of the Drayton roundabout.

Hours of work will usually be weekdays, 7.30am to 5.30pm, although some night or weekend working might be necessary.

The project, part of the County Council’s Active Travel improvement proposals , is currently estimated to cost approximately £300,000.