Councillors in West Sussex have given their backing to National Highways plans to bypass Arundel with a new stretch of the A27.

National Highways has been consulting on the ‘grey route’, which features new bridges spanning the River Arun, over the Arun Valley Railway and over Binsted Rife, as well as a new junction at Crossbush. Under the plans, around 8km (4.9 miles) of new dual carriageway will be created to the south of the existing A27, from the Crossbush to Fontwell roundabouts.

The website Sussex World reports West Sussex County Council’s cabinet has backed the grey route in principle, but that its consultation response also raised a number of concerns that it says needs to be addressed in advance of a Development Consent Order being submitted.

The report says the concerns are around a lack of data and evidence for the council to comment on, as well as some community concerns. However Deborah Urquhart, cabinet member for the environment and climate change described the route as “the only one on offer”, but is quoted as saying, “It’s vital we continue to work with stakeholders, communities and our MPs to ensure we get increased mitigation for our residents.”

(Picture – National Highways)