Flyover work hit by delays

And East Sussex County Council confirmed this week the work has overrun and will continue until the end of the month.

Newhaven businessman Phillip Kannard, who runs a contract cleaning company, said the repairs had been a nightmare for traders and townsfolk alike.

'This has caused problems for everybody. They should have worked 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to get it done. If it had been Lewes it wouldn't have taken this long.

'It's affecting businesses and shops, and trade is down. It's an absolute nightmare - my staff can't even get to their jobs.'

He added: 'It has taken longer to repair the flyover than it took to build it!'

President of Newhaven Chamber of Commerce Graham Amy said the road works had struck a blow to the town centre's economy.

'Any traffic delays have an adverse affect on town centre trade. I know people who live on the east side of town that shop elsewhere rather than queue in traffic.'

Since June people using the A259 have endured traffic chaos caused by work to the flyover.

With only an east-bound lane open, west-bound motorists are forced to take Railway Approach underneath the bridge. This and closures of the railway crossing have resulted in massive disruptions to the flow of traffic.

When work began on June 10 the county council estimated it would take around 20 weeks to complete the repairs, ending in October.

But now the council predicts it will be November 28 before it is reopened, although it will be closed for a further three nights for final repairs.

Newhaven's MP Norman Baker was dismayed the work was running so far behind schedule.

He said: 'This has already caused extensive problems for motorists and the county council needs to explain why the work has been further delayed.'

A county council spokeswoman blamed unforeseen repairs and Railtrack for the delay.

She said: 'It took longer because of additional works that were required and restrictions imposed by Railtrack on the working times over the railway line.'

Repairs to the bridge were necessary to replace its bearings, waterproofing system and install new safety fencing.