(Position at November 2020)
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 £11.65 million. It will be jointly funded by the Coast to Capital Local Economic Partnership, WSCC and private developer contributions.
Public engagement
The County Council held a full public consultation for the both phases of the new road realignment over a period of more than eight weeks from 26 February to 26 April 2019.
What we are working on now
- The award for the design and build contract for Phase 1 (north) has been given to Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd. The initial focus will be on the detailed design element of the scheme and where possible and appropriate, they will be incorporating aspects of the consultation responses.
- Ecological and environmental surveys and mitigation measures for Phase 1 (north) are ongoing.
- The planning application and Environmental Impact Assessment has now been submitted to WSCC Planning for Phase 1 (north) of the scheme. You can view application documents and drawings of the scheme online via reference number WSCC/052/20.
Proposed Phase 1 (north) timelines
- Submission of planning application - autumn 2020
- Finish of detail design - winter 2020
- Start of construction of the road will be subject to the planning application and land dedication.
Supporting information
- Exhibition banners (PDF, 7.3MB)
- A29 realignment scheme - Frequently asked questions (PDF, 449KB)
- A29 realignment Transport Business Case (PDF, 6.7MB)
