(Position at March 2024)
Background
The existing A29 currently experiences traffic congestion during peak periods, especially at the Woodgate level crossing. This has led to unreliable journey times and queuing vehicles, affecting air quality.
The A29 realignment scheme is an important part of the aims for Arun District, as outlined in the West Sussex Transport Plan. The Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) also shares this vision in its Strategic Economic Plan.
The Barnham, Eastergate and Westergate areas have been identified as requiring additional infrastructure to support planned local development in the Arun Local Plan. Therefore, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has commissioned a feasibility study to refine the design presented in the Arun Local Plan.
The proposed scheme
The full A29 realignment scheme will deliver a new 4.34km road to the east of Eastergate, Westergate and Woodgate villages.
The proposed new road will help to:
- provide a more reliable connection to Bognor Regis
- reduce traffic along the existing section of the A29, especially at the Woodgate level crossing and the War Memorial junction
- improve and reduce journeys, making them safer for all road users
- enable access to allocated development land in the adopted Arun Local Plan, providing access to new jobs and new homes in Arun District.
The scheme will be delivered in two phases:
- Phase 1 (north) - From the A29 south of Eastergate Lane to a new junction with Barnham Road
- Phase 2 (south) - From Barnham Road to a new junction on the A29 south of Lidsey bends.
The phases in relation to the surrounding area are shown on the plan below:
To manage key programme, funding, design and delivery risks, Phase 1 (north) will be procured and delivered first by WSCC.
Phase 1 (north) of the road scheme comprises the provision of:
- a single carriageway with a combined cycleway/footway
- at grade crossing points
- street lighting
- earthworks
- landscaping
- drainage and sustainable urban drainage systems associated with the scheme
- any works necessary for the mitigation of adverse impacts (including environmental and ecological).
The arrangements and approach for delivery for Phase 2 (south) are being discussed with developers through the planning process.
Scheme cost
The total estimated cost for Phase 1 (north) of the scheme is £22.669 million. It will be jointly funded by the Coast to Capital Local Economic Partnership, WSCC and private developer contributions.
The current cost estimate reflects increased contingency provisions, potential for future land compensation charges and increased construction cost projections due to a combination of impacts from Brexit, COVID-19 and inflation within the construction industry affecting materials and labour.
Public engagement and planning permission
The County Council held a full public consultation for both phases of the new road realignment over a period of more than eight weeks from 26 February to 26 April 2019.
In addition, a full planning consultation was undertaken as part of the planning application process, which is detailed under planning application WSCC/052/20 and is now closed. Planning permission was granted following a planning committee on the 30 June 2021.
What we are working on now
- Archaeological investigations have been completed and the team is preparing its reporting.
- Land agreements and external planning issues related to the development sites.
- Preparation for demolition of the Fleurie Nursery glasshouses and ancillary buildings.
Proposed phase 1 (north) timelines
- Submission of planning condition discharge - Completed July 2022.
- Detail design - Completed November 2022, with updates to include trial hole surveys completed in Autumn 2023.
- Demolition of Fleurie Nursery glasshouses and ancillary buildings (May 2024 to August 2024).
- Site clearance works, subject to land dedication agreements, Winter 2024/2025.
- Start of construction of the road will be subject to land dedication agreements but is currently anticipated to start Winter 2024/2025.
- Works completion currently anticipated Winter 2026.
