(Position at April 2022)
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
- Our Contractor Jackson Civil Engineering and their Consultant Capita, are working with WSCC and WSP to prepare our submission to the Planning Authority (West Sussex County Council) to discharge planning conditions especially pre-commencement conditions relating to, construction environment management, construction traffic management, ecological enhancement measures, landscape scheme and drainage scheme.
- We are working with colleagues to finalise other conditions for control of development, especially our archaeology investigations and tree protection.
- We are developing our programme of advanced works for 2022 to enable us to make a start on some key areas such as the diversion of utilities at the proposed new roundabouts on Fontwell Avenue and Barnham Road.
Proposed Phase 1 (north) timelines
- Submission of Planning Condition Discharge - Winter 2021/22.
- Completion of detail design - Spring 2022.
- Advanced utility, ecological and archaeological works anticipated during 2022.
- Start of construction of the road will be subject to the planning condition discharge and land dedication, but is expected to follow advanced works for Spring 2023.
- Works completion currently anticipated Autumn 2024.
Supporting information
- Exhibition banners (PDF, 7.3MB)
- A29 realignment scheme - Frequently asked questions (PDF, 449KB)
- A29 realignment Transport Business Case (PDF, 6.7MB)
