SGN closure of Stockbridge Road, Chichester

From Saturday 10 October 2026, gas network company SGN will be carrying out essential gas mains replacement works on Stockbridge Road, Chichester, for approximately 7 weeks.

Once this part of the works are complete, SGN will continue mains replacement work on Birdham Road, Donnington, under temporary traffic signals.

Until now, emergency works to repair leaks have been managed overnight when traffic volumes are significantly lower.

Replacing the pipe will provide a safe, resilient and reliable gas supply to local homes and businesses, while reducing the likelihood of future emergency repairs and associated traffic disruption.

SGN have a duty to undertake these works, with a regulatory requirement to replace all metal tier 1 mains within proximity of homes and businesses by 2032.

'Tier 1' mains are pipes with a diameter of 8 inches or less, and carry a higher risk factor.

Discover the full details of the project from SGN

Road closure

The works will be carried out under a road closure on Stockbridge Road between the A27 Chichester bypass and Grosvenor Road.

A full closure is needed for safety reasons; the road is not wide enough to have traffic passing alongside the works due to the location of the gas main and the need to connect to adjacent homes and businesses on either side of Stockbridge Road.

There will be no through vehicle access between these junctions.

Vehicle access for residents and shops within the closure will be maintained via the diversion route from the Grosvenor Road end of the closure.

Pedestrian and cycle access through the closure will be maintained.

Bus travel

Bus routes including school buses will be affected. Check your local bus service provider for routes and timetable.

The Grosvenor Road bus stop will be suspended for the duration of the works. A temporary bus stop will be provided nearby to minimise disruption to passengers.

The council is working closely with bus operators to support them and will be using funding from the Lane Rental Surplus Fund to reinforce their services so that bus passengers across the peninsula have access to a reliable service.

We have also engaged with Community Transport Sussex to support our most vulnerable residents within the immediately impacted area who will lose access to bus services. We are working to provide them with a lifeline service into Chichester while the works are ongoing.

Emergency services

The council has been working with SGN to ensure that access for blue light services can be maintained in the event of an emergency.

Gated, escorted access through the site will be available 24/7 throughout the works for these services.

Stakeholder engagement

Discussions around the works have been ongoing between the county council's Network Management Team and SGN since September 2025.

During this time, the Network Management Team have been holding regular meetings with county, district and parish councillors for the peninsula and bus operators to update them on plans for the works.

SGN initially proposed to undertake the works in January 2026, however following significant concerns raised by councillors and bus operators the works were delayed.

The phasing and timing of the works was agreed on the basis that:

• it allowed sufficient time to complete the preparatory work outlined below in the months prior
•  it kept key routes open and free-flowing during the busy summer months while preparatory work took place
•  it ensures the works will be completed ahead of the winter months when demand for gas is higher and the gas network is under greater pressure

Preparatory work

Earlier this year, gas main replacement works were completed on the side roads off Stockbridge Road.

This has enabled all relevant service connections to be completed under less disruptive traffic management.

As a result, the road closure is only required for works that cannot be safely carried out without a full closure.

The diversion route has been inspected, with repairs and large-scale patching completed to ensure that it is in the best condition possible to handle increased traffic during the closure.

Why was there not a public consultation?

As a statutory undertaker, SGN have a duty to undertake these works, in addition to a regulatory requirement to replace all metal tier 1 mains within proximity of homes and businesses by 2032.

As such, there is not a requirement to publicly consult on the works.

As the Highways Authority, the county council cannot prevent statutory works from being completed.

SGN have sent out information leaflets to residents likely to be impacted by the closure.

With the works drawing closer, SGN will be increasing their communications to ensure residents and road users in the area are aware ahead of works starting.

This will include public events held by SGN, the use of social media, a project page on their website, letters to affected residents, roadside signage.

A drop-in event will be held on Wednesday 2 September between 3pm and 7pm at Donnington Village Hall, PO19 8QT.

SGN information materials

Leaflet 

Poster

The diversion route is via the A27 Chichester Bypass onto the B2145 and turning right onto B2201 Chichester Road through Sidlesham triangle.

There will be multi-way lights to give large vehicles, including buses, enough space to navigate the turning.

You can find more information about the closure here https://one.network/?GB149499548  

If you need further information about these works, you can contact the SGN Customer Service Team.

Email customer@sgn.co.uk or call 0800 912 1700.