Work is due to start on the A2300 improvements scheme, which will help support the building of new homes and help cut congestion and pollution, according to West Sussex County Council.
This will see the widening of around 2.5km of single-lane road to become a dual carriageway and support the provision of more than 3,500 new homes as well as 3,600 new jobs in 200,000m2 of new office and factory space.
The project also aims to encourage more sustainable transport methods, with new facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, congestion will be cut, positively impacting journey times and pollution.
Roger Elkins, county council Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: “This is arguably the most significant road building project for the county council since the A24 Ashington Bypass was built in the 1990s. The A2300 is an important route for people commuting to and from Burgess Hill and links the town to the A23/M23 strategic road corridor. A significant amount of residential and commercial development is planned for the north and north-west of Burgess Hill which, if the road wasn’t dualled, would exacerbate the current traffic issues on the A2300. Instead, this project will lead to huge benefits for the district in cutting congestion and boosting the local economy by supporting the provision of new jobs, new homes and workspace.”
The £23 millon scheme has been jointly funded by Central Government through the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Deal, developer contributions and the County Council.
Also involved in the improvements will be roundabout modification, a 2.5m-wide central reservation with vehicle restraint barrier, associated surface water drainage, landscaping and planting measures.
