One of the South East’s top priority road schemes can move to the next phase with funding of £849,000 from central Government.
Improvement works to the A259 corridor between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in West Sussex is one of the top ten priority schemes Transport for the South East submitted to government for consideration as part of the 2020-15 Major Road Network upgrade programme.
The A259 links Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, two urban areas on the South Coast that are a focus for planned growth and regeneration. Congestion on other parts of the road network in this area, such as the A27 is already a problem and this section of the A259 is the only diversionary route available.
Investment in this road will increase resilience for the surrounding road network and help safeguard it for the future, boosting economic growth and supporting new housing and jobs as well as improving public transport and active travel options.
A high-quality, reliable transport network is critical to our region’s economic recovery and future sustainable growth, so it’s good news that another of our top priority road schemes has received a major funding boost. We are particularly pleased to see a scheme progressing which includes such extensive measures to improve provision for public transport, walking and cycling.
Councillor Keith Glazier, Chair of Transport for the South East
While the Department for Transport’s investment in our road network is hugely welcome, Transport for the South East recognises the need to go further, faster to encourage take up of cleaner fuel alternative, greater use of public transport and harness new technology to transform the way we travel.
Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This funding award is very welcome news and will help us to develop the business case for the scheme.
“If it goes ahead, the project will improve safety and journey times through improvements at key junctions – including bus priority and enhanced provision for cycling and walking on the A259 between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.
“Planned residential and employment developments in Arun will put further pressure on the busy A259: the scheme would help ease congestion and support planned development in the area.
“It’s only right to point out that the scheme is still at an early stage, construction is not guaranteed and would be several years away – but this funding is a significant step forward.”