Updated plans for A27 Arundel bypass go on show
Six options for upgrading one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in south-east England have been unveiled by Highways England today (Friday 30 August).
The plans will help improve journeys for tens of thousands of drivers using the A27 around Arundel, the only section of single carriageway between Worthing and the New Forest. Each option aims to protect Arundel’s historic town centre and draw long distance traffic away from other, less suitable roads through the South Downs National Park.
Each of the six route includes creating a new dual carriageway to join up the two existing sections of dual-carriageway either side of Arundel, and will help to reduce journey times, improve reliability and make the road safer. Each option has been developed in detail and a public consultation on the proposals starts today and runs for eight weeks until 24 October.
Highways England A27 Arundel Bypass programme leader Jason Hones said:
These plans will tackle one of the biggest traffic bottlenecks in the south-east, and will improve journeys for thousands of drivers of the A27, not only in and around Arundel but along the whole south coast. I encourage anyone with an interest in the A27 and Arundel to get involved in this consultation – whether they’re commuters, residents or visitors the area for leisure; their input will be vital in finding the right balance going forward.
Arundel has a unique cultural heritage and is surrounded by precious special environments, which are rightly protected. We have assessed all the viable options in greater detail than before so that people can see and understand all the factors and help us decide which one strikes the right balance.
We very much would like to hear people’s ideas and feedback on the proposals in this consultation; all the information is available online and my team and I will be out at public events over the coming weeks ready to answer people’s questions.
The plans for upgrading the A27 at Arundel include six new options, and feature a mix of improvements along the existing road, and other new sections south of the town. This announcement follows Highways England’s commitment last year to consult the public again after extensive development and enhancements to the scheme following the original preferred route announcement last May.
This consultation includes updates and variants to all three routes which were consulted on during the original consultation in 2017. All six routes have been evaluated to the same high standard of evidence, allowing people to make a comparison between them.
A27 Arundel options
The options
All six options feature a new bridge spanning the River Arun and a bridge over the Arun Valley Railway, as well as a new junction at Crossbush.
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Cyan (Option 1 v5): Improvements mostly along the route of the existing A27, with around 4.5km (2.8 miles) of new dual carriageway between Crossbush and the west of Arundel.
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Beige (Option 1 v9): Improvements mostly along the route of the existing A27, with around 4.5km (2.8 miles) of new dual carriageway between Crossbush and the west of Arundel.
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Crimson (Option 3 v1): Around 6km (3.7 miles) of new dual carriageway located to the south of the existing A27, between Crossbush junction and a new junction at Havenwood Park, with around 4km (2.4 miles) of the existing A27 being detrunked.
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Magenta (Option 4/5A v1): Around 7.2km (4.4 miles) of new dual carriageway located to the south of the existing A27, from Crossbush junction to just west of Yapton Lane. Features a new bridge over Binsted Rife, with around 6.1km (3.7 miles) of the existing A27 being detrunked.
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Amber (Option 4/5A v2): Around 6.9km (4.2 miles) of new dual carriageway to the south of the existing A27, starting at the Crossbush junction and ending just west of Yapton Lane. Features a new bridge over Binsted Rife, with around 6.2km (3.8 miles) of the existing A27 being detrunked.
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Grey (Option 5B v2): Around 8km (4.9 miles) of new dual carriageway to the south of the existing A27, from Crossbush to Fontwell roundabout. Features a new bridge over Binsted Rife, with around 6.6km (4.1 miles) of the existing A27 being detrunked.
Highways England is holding 10 information exhibitions at venues across the area so that people can examine the proposals and put any questions directly to project team.
All responses to the consultation will be carefully considered before an announcement is made on a new preferred route early next year. Subject to a successful outcome, construction could start in late 2022.
Details on the proposals and feedback forms will be available online from today until 11.59pm on 24 October 2019 on the scheme web page.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.