Residents are being invited to comment on West Sussex County Council’s plans for a bypass of the A284 Lyminster Road.
The proposed route runs from south of the A27 at Crossbush to Toddington Nurseries. It would form the northern section of a new route, terminating at East Street in Littlehampton town centre, with a new roundabout on the A259 Worthing Road.
The bypass will improve access to Littlehampton by reducing delays to road traffic associated with the level crossing at Wick.
It is anticipated the existing A284 Lyminster Road will become quieter as through traffic and heavy goods vehicles use the bypass.
The scheme will also provide the additional road capacity needed to support the building of new homes in the area.
Studies have shown that there is only one appropriate route for the bypass. However, there are two options for tying the new road into the existing A284 north of Lyminster village.
These are:
• North of Wolstanton House; and
• South of The Old Vicarage.
The County Council is holding a public consultation to allow local people to view the plans, ask questions and comment on their preferred tie-in option, as well as other aspects of the proposals. As part of this consultation public exhibitions are being held at:
• Church of St Mary Magdalene, Lyminster:
o Friday, September 12, 6pm-8pm;
o Saturday, September 13, 10.30am-2pm.
• Millennium Chamber, Littlehampton Town Council:
o Tuesday, September 16, 5pm-7.30pm;
o Wednesday, September 17, 2.30pm-6pm.
County Council officers will be present at the exhibitions, along with representatives from consultants WSP, who are working with the County Council to design the road.
Local people are encouraged to attend an exhibition or view the plans online, then fill in a questionnaire with their feedback. Copies will be available at the public exhibitions and from Littlehampton or Arundel Library. Alternatively, an online version will be available from Monday, September 1 at www.westsussex.gov.uk (search ‘Lyminster Bypass’), where full details of the proposals, including plans, can also be viewed.
All comments must be received by Friday 26 September.
Pieter Montyn, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport (pictured), said: “This is a much-needed project that we hope will have a positive impact both on people living in Lyminster village, and those travelling between the A27 and Littlehampton.
“The County Council is committed to consulting residents on proposals that affect the local community. This is a chance for residents and those who regularly travel this route to let us know what they think of the plans, and about any potential impacts that are concerning them. Their input will ensure local opinion has been taken into account when finalising our designs for the Lyminster Bypass.”
The final road design will be submitted for planning approval in November 2014. If approved, and subject to land acquisition and funding, construction will start in summer 2016 with the new road open to traffic in late 2017.
West Sussex County Council is responsible for the design and construction of the northern section of the new 1.8km Lyminster bypass. The southern section, between Toddington Nurseries and the A259 will be delivered by private developers. This consultation relates to the northern section.