Plans to improve journeys for tens of thousands of drivers by upgrading key junctions along the A27 through Worthing and Lancing have been unveiled by National Highways today.
Given the importance of the A27 and the many problems we have had with congestion over the years, I would encourage drivers, businesses and local residents to have their say on the proposals in a six-week public consultation, which runs from 6 February until 19 March.
The proposals for Worthing and Lancing form part of the Government’s investment along the A27 to increase capacity, reduce congestion and fully renew some of the busiest sections of the vital south coast road, which also includes schemes for Arundel and East of Lewes.
Since 2021, National Highways considered around 60 potential improvements to improve traffic flow between Worthing and Lancing. These have been grouped into the three options which are presented at this consultation. Each option will provide significant extra capacity and reduce delays, and has been designed so that any potential future improvements to transport in the Worthing and Lancing area can still happen.
The options proposed are:
1. Offington Corner and Grove Lodge roundabouts
Access to Offington Corner roundabout will be widened and new traffic lights installed to control traffic flow and facilitate safe movement of pedestrians. Traffic that currently uses Goodwood Road will access the A27 using Offington Lane instead. Grove Lodge roundabout and accesses will be widened, with upgraded traffic lights and a new pedestrian crossing
2. Offington Corner and Grove Lodge roundabouts, Lyons Way junction, and Upper Brighton Road:
Access to Offington Corner roundabout will be widened and new traffic lights installed to control traffic flow and facilitate safe movement of pedestrians. Traffic that currently uses Goodwood Road will access the A27 using Offington Lane instead. Upgraded traffic lights will be installed at Grove Lodge roundabout and re-phased to improve traffic flow. The eastbound A27 will be widened at Lyons Way, with a new westbound lane for those turning into Sompting Road. Sompting Road will be converted into a one-way northbound road. Access to the A27 from Hadley Avenue will be closed, with Sompting Road to be used instead. Upper Brighton Road will be converted into a one-way eastbound road.
3. Offington Corner and Grove Lodge roundabouts, Busticle Lane junction, and Upper Brighton Road:
Access to Offington Corner roundabout will be widened and new traffic lights installed to control traffic flow and facilitate safe movement of pedestrians. Traffic that currently uses Goodwood Road will access the A27 using Offington Lane instead. Upgraded traffic lights will be installed at Grove Lodge roundabout and re-phased to improve traffic flow. The A27 at Busticle Lane will be widened in the eastbound direction, with three lanes accommodated in both directions. Access onto the A27 from Hillbarn Parade will be closed, with Halewick Lane used instead. Upper Brighton Road will be converted into a one-way eastbound road.
National Highways will be holding a series of public information events where people will be able to learn about and examine the proposals as well as speak to the project team to find out more and give their feedback.
Details on the events, as well as more about the scheme, including how it might look and access to the consultation materials, can be found on the project website: www.nationalhighways.co.uk/a27-worthing-and-lancing-improvements
All responses must be received by 11:59pm on Sunday 19 March 2023. All responses will be recorded and considered before an announcement is made on a preferred option later this year. People will have another opportunity to have their say once the final plans have been announced. Construction could start in 2025, and take around two years to complete.
The public information events will take place as follows:
Tuesday 7 February, 1 - 7pm: Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, BN11 1HQ
Wednesday 8 February, 1 - 7pm: The Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing, BN14 9HS
Friday 17 February, 11am - 3pm: Sainsbury's Lyons Farm (consultation van), Downland Business Park, Worthing, BN14 9LA
Saturday 18 February, 10am - 4pm: The Harriet Johnson Centre, 18 Loose Lane, Lancing, BN15 0BG
Wednesday 22 February, 7.30 - 8.30pm: Virtual (online) meet the team event
Thursday 2 March, 1pm - 7pm: Sompting Village Hall, West Street, Sompting, BN15 0BE
Tuesday 7 March, 11am - 3pm: Worthing Town Centre (consultation van), South Street Square, Worthing, BN11 3AN
Wednesday 15 March, 1pm - 7pm: The Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing, BN14 9HS
