Highways improvements completed across Mid Sussex

Highways improvements have been made in several rural areas across Mid Sussex.

Eleven projects, representing more than £1.7million worth of improvements, were either completed, or nearly completed, by West Sussex Highways just before the coronavirus lockdown started.

Areas benefiting from the schemes include Ansty, Pyecombe, Slaugham, Handcross and Warninglid.

Roger Elkins, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “The 11 projects represent a significant investment in our highway network and will benefit a wide range of people, including pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and horse riders.

“It was great to see the projects delivered on time and we look forward to this year’s improvements programme being delivered with equal success, while recognising the current challenges coronavirus presents.”

Lloyd Allen, contracts manager of principal contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP), said how pleased BBLP were to have been involved in this series of successful projects, and looked forward to working with West Sussex County Council in the future.

Two-wheeled, two-legged… and even four-legged friends benefit

Highways engineers are used to building improvement schemes for four and two-wheeled vehicles, but not often for those on four legs: this was the challenge facing engineers, tasked with improving a crossing point for walkers, cyclists and horse riders on the South Downs Way.

West Sussex Highways improved waiting areas to accommodate equestrians, cyclists and walkers on each side of the A273 at Clayton Hill, Pyecombe.

Other improvements were: signage to alert drivers to the possible dangers of riders and walkers crossing; the bridleway southward was widened and resurfaced; bridleway drainage has been added to maintain a good surface, and a high-friction surface has been installed on the carriageway itself. The scheme cost a total of about £50,000.

Improvements for pedestrians in Ansty

Following a request from the local community, improvements have been made for pedestrians in the village. In many places, footways had become overgrown and surfaces were breaking up. Also, with new housing, there is increased demand for facilities for pedestrians in different parts of the village.

Works included resurfacing and widening existing footpaths, new sections of footway on the approach to the village hall and improvements to crossing points on the main roads. Total cost: approximately £80,000.

Traffic “slow down” measures in Slaugham, Pease Pottage, Warninglid and Handcross

A series of measures have been devised to remind drivers to slow down on the approach to settlements across this area. The project was in response to a parish council request and features installed include new gateways, signing and road markings. A section of footway has also been resurfaced and improved for pedestrians. Additional, interactive, “slow down” signs are due to be installed soon. Total cost: approximately £170,000, funded from developer contributions (Section 106 funds).

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