The planned scheme will link up with the southern
section of the bypass, which is currently under
construction, to complete a new 1.1-mile single
carriageway running to the east of Lyminster and Wick
villages.
The road will link a new junction on the A259 in
Littlehampton to the A284 just south of the A27 at
Crossbush, easing congestion, providing much-needed
improvements to routes in and out of Littlehampton and
supporting plans for 1,260 new homes and 700 new jobs
in the region.
It comes as part of the government’s drive to build
back better from the pandemic and boost transport links
across the country.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere said:
Local residents deserve quicker, easier and more
reliable journeys in and out of Littlehampton and
around West Sussex, and that’s exactly what this
scheme will deliver, along with new jobs, houses and
safer and better journeys for cyclists and
pedestrians.
This government is committed to levelling up
transport across the country, so that no matter where
you live, you can get around easily and safely.
Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member
for Highways and Transport, said:
The Department for Transport’s financial backing for
the project to build the northern section of the A284
Lyminster Bypass is excellent news.
It shows confidence in the scheme which is designed
to provide strategic north-south access to and from
the A27 for residents, businesses and visitors alike,
address congestion and remove delays caused by the
level crossing at Wick.
Currently, journeys in and out of Littlehampton are
often very slow along the narrow route into the town
centre, with numerous delays caused by the Wick railway
level crossing. The proposed bypass would provide
motorists and road-users with a shorter and less
congested route, slashing journey times and avoiding
the level crossing.
A 3m-wide shared cycle and footway will run along one
side of the road and a signalised crossing will be
built so cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders can
safely cross.
Councillor Keith Glazier, Chair of Transport for the
South East, said:
The planned Lyminster Bypass will provide a vital
connection between Littlehampton and the A27. This
investment will help boost economic growth, support
new housing and jobs, and will improve quality of
life for local residents.
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.
By speaking with one voice to influence where and how
money is spent in our region, the Transport for the
South East partnership is making a real difference
for the 7.5 million people who live and work in the
South East.
The total cost of the scheme comes to £21.6 million,
with the remaining £9.8 million coming from West Sussex
County Council, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise
Partnership and private developers, on top of the
Department for Transport’s multimillion-pound
contribution.
Today’s announcement is the latest investment from the
government in transport in West Sussex, with £17 million
funding awarded last year towards improvements to the
A2300 at Burgess Hill.
