Latest on improvements to Bexhill's Sackville Road roundabout

The authority has worked with Rother District Council to deliver a package of improvements to the town, including a 20mph speed limit and wider pavements in parts of the Marina, work which was completed last year.

But due to the spiralling costs and longer construction time of proposed changes to the Sackville Road roundabout a review was undertaken and an alternative design drawn up.

ESCC’s lead member for transport and environment is due to approve the new design at a meeting on Monday March 14 with the aim of reducing traffic speed and improving pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction.

The revised scheme is expected to cost the county council £175,000, works would last around eight weeks and involve re-shaping and increasing the size of the four ‘splitter islands’ on the arms of the roundabout.

The pavements on the southeastern side of the junction would be widened slightly, while a five metre stretch of parking bay on the northern side of the Marina would be removed.

The previous design included reducing the size of the central roundabout island, introducing an overrun area around the central island and removing the pedestrian island in Egerton Road as well as reducing the sizes of the three remaining splitter islands, and increasing the size of the pavements on the eastern side of the junction.

But an initial estimate of £250,000 for the works rose to £510,000 due to utility works and carriageway reconstruction.

This option would have also seen more disruption to traffic over a longer period of time.

Removing the five metres of on-street parking in the Marina is aimed at improving access for lorries and tour buses to the west end stage door of the De La Warr Pavilion.

This will be the subject of a draft Traffic Regulation Order, which is due to be advertised in June, with any objections reported to the council’s planning committee before the TRO is approved.

What do you think of proposals? Comment below or email the newsdesk.

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