SGN Closure of Stockbridge Road, Chichester

From Saturday 10 October, SGN will be carrying out essential gas mains replacement works on Stockbridge Road for approximately seven weeks.

They will be working to replace an ageing metal pipe that has experienced repeated emergency gas leaks resulting in the road being closed with no notice while repair work took place. The replacement pipe will ensure a safe, resilient and reliable supply of gas to local homes and businesses.

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

Road impact

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

A full closure is needed as 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. Resident/shops vehicle access 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 impact

Bus routes including school buses will be affected - Please 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.

We are 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, and we are working to provide them with a lifeline service into Chichester while the works are ongoing.

Emergency Services impact

We have 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 WSCC 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, which has significantly reduced the overall duration of the planned road 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 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 we cannot prevent statutory works from being completed.

SGN have distributed 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 – A drop in event will be held on Wednesday 2 September between 3pm and 7pm at Donnington Village Hall PO19 8QT
• the use of social media
• a project page on their website
• letters to residents within the peninsula
• enhanced roadside signage

SGN issued assets:

• Leaflet 
• Poster

The diversion route is via the A27 Chichester Bypass onto the B2145 and turning left onto B2201 Chichester Road through Sidlesham triangle where there will be multi-way lights to give 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 by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or alternatively you can call them on 0800 912 1700.