Burgess Hill ‘gateway’ work set to start

The Queen Elizabeth Avenue Boulevard Project will see a new shared pedestrian cycle path built on the south side of Queen Elizabeth Avenue.

The existing street lighting is being replaced with white LED lighting.

The county council says this will enhance the views along Queen Elizabeth Avenue and save energy at the same time.

They will be designed to accommodate banners and festive lighting.

Once the cycle path has been built the carriageway will be resurfaced.

New London Plane trees will be planted on both sides of Queen Elizabeth Avenue to replace damaged trees and create a boulevard effect.

Construction will begin on Thursday, July 25 and is expected to take six weeks to complete.

The work, which will cost £125,400, is scheduled to take place during the school summer holidays to minimise disruption.

The tree planting and removal of damaged trees will follow in the autumn.

The project is a joint venture between West Sussex County Council, Burgess Hill Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council.

Burgess Hill’s Town Mayor, Chris Thomas-Atkin, said: “The Boulevard Project will provide welcome enhancements to this important gateway to our town.

“The new cycle lane will be a further step in the process to create links into the Green Circle cycle routes around Burgess Hill.”

County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Pieter Montyn, said: “This project will bring improved links between the town centre, Burgess Hill railway station and Victoria Business Park.

“It will make cycling safer, create a safer route to school for pupils at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School, and enhance the environment leading into town.”

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The county council has provided some answer to frequently asked questions:

Where can I view any plans?

You can view the plans at Burgess Hill Town Council’s Help Point at 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9AS.The plans are also available online. Visit www.burgesshill.gov.uk

Why is the shared use path being built on the south side of Queen Elizabeth Avenue?

It avoids road junctions. While there are two junctions with The Brow and School Close on the north side of Queen Elizabeth Avenue – there are no junctions on the south side.

How wide will the shared use path be?

The path will be three metres wide.

Will the shared use path be segregated for cyclists and pedestrians?

The path will be shared by both cyclists and pedestrians. It will be wide enough for all to pass safely.

Will diversions be in place while work is on-going?

For westbound traffic from the junction with Civic Way there will be diversions in place via Lower Church Road. Eastbound traffic from London Road will not be affected.

Why are you introducing a ‘No Right Turn’ as you exit School Close?

During school drop off and picking up times, School Close gets busy with traffic and pedestrians. As a safety measure to get vehicles away from the junction, right turns will be prohibited.

Why is there no dedicated cycle path from Queen Elizabeth Avenue to Burgess Hill Railway Station?

There is simply no space available.

Will I still be able to get to The Brow Medical Centre while the work is in progress?

Yes. Access to the medical centre will be maintained. However, please allow extra travel time when driving westbound as diversions will be in place. For pedestrians, the southern footway will be temporarily closed and pedestrians diverted to the northern footway.

Why were London Plane trees chosen for this scheme?

London Plane trees were chosen for their large shape, robustness and their ability to absorb pollutants.