Release date: 6 November 2026
SGN are currently carrying out essential gas mains replacement works under a full road closure on Stockbridge Road in Chichester to ensure a safe, resilient and reliable supply of gas to local homes and businesses.
They are replacing an ageing metal pipe that has experienced repeated emergency gas leaks resulting in the road often being closed overnight under temporary traffic lights with no notice while repair work took place. The repeated patching was becoming unsustainable and there were concerns that an emergency full closure would be required to carry out a full replacement.
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 the Highways Authority, the county council cannot prevent statutory works from being completed.
The county council’s Network Management Team have had regular discussions with SGN since September 2025 to ensure that disruption is minimised as much as possible.
SGN initially proposed to undertake the works in January 2026, however following significant concerns raised by councillors and bus operators the works were delayed to allow time for preparatory work.
Earlier this year gas main replacement works were completed on the side roads off Stockbridge Road, enabling all relevant service connections to be completed under less disruptive traffic management.
Throughout the closure weekly meetings have been held with councillors, bus operators, contractor site staff and SGN to provide project updates and discuss progress.
Regular monitoring of the diversion route and impact on traffic has taken place with a team from the traffic management company driving the diversion route every 2 hours, 7 days per week.
WSCC Compliance Inspectors are undertaking regular site visits to check the road closure, diversion signage and the lights aiding traffic flows at the Sidlesham fork and on Appledram Lane South, as well as checking on progress of the works and ensuring the works are being carried out in accordance with the permit conditions.
The congestion that is occurring is due to the sheer volume of traffic using the diversion route, with limited other options off the peninsular. However, the team are actively monitoring queue lengths and queue times through real-time information provided by one.network and adjusting timings on the lights to manage traffic flows where necessary.
WSCC understands fully the frustrations of those who have been delayed due to the diversions implemented because of these works and thanks everyone for their patience whilst they are undertaken. However, it is worth noting that the site remains under SGN control at all times and WSCC’s role is to monitor the works, ensuring the site has been set up and remains compliant with signing, lighting and guarding legislation, and that permit conditions are being adhered to.
WSCC has no control in preventing the works from happening. Any questions relating to the duration of the works should be submitted to SGN.
