The new Lyminster bypass connecting Littlehampton and Bognor Regis has been officially opened by West Sussex County Council. The project was supported by government funding secured in collaboration with Transport for the South East (TfSE).

While the southern section of the 1.8km bypass was privately funded, the northern section received £11.79 million from the Department of Transport (DfT) via the Major Road Network (MRN) programme, following its recognition as a scheme of strategic importance.

TfSE worked with local authorities to respond to a 2019 government consultation on MRN priorities. The Lyminster bypass was one of ten schemes submitted by TfSE, meeting key criteria such as reducing congestion, supporting economic growth and improving provision for cycling and walking.

TfSE Chair Cllr Keith Glazier said: “This is a great example of the support that sub-national transport bodies like TfSE can provide to local authorities and DfT”.

“We worked closely with WSCC and local authorities across the region to identify the MRN and then to advise DfT on the key schemes which could support the MRN’s objectives”.

“Speaking directly to the government has resulted in the real, tangible benefit of additional investment the south east’s transport infrastructure, helping to improve safety and reliability plus support the government’s economic growth objective.”

“We are very pleased to have been able to support WSCC throughout the development and construction and congratulate them on all their hard work which has led to the completion of this project, which delivers against local and strategic objectives”

The road aims to support the local economy, improving the road network in West Sussex and making journeys easier by reducing traffic through Lyminster and Wick. The previous route incorporated several sharp bends with limited pedestrian footpaths and cycling opportunities.

Built on a flood plain, the project includes a 225m viaduct spanning an ancient waterway and features one of the first Pegasus crossings in the country that incorporates a road crossing option for pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and farm traffic.

Councillor Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: “We’re delighted that the new bypass is open to traffic. 

“It’s going to dramatically reduce the volume of traffic travelling through Lyminster and Wick villages and will make it much easier to get to and from Littlehampton for walkers and cyclists as well as drivers.  

“We first presented the business case for this important addition to the West Sussex highways network as part of our Council Plan in 2015. It’s wonderful to see how all the consultation, planning, modelling and community engagement has resulted in such an expertly constructed road with so much care taken to protect the natural environment on this part of the Sussex coastal plain.”