The traffic chaos on the A27, next to the site of a new Greggs, should end within 24 hours – weather permitting – according to an MP.
James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, posted an update on social media about the disruptive roadworks between Falmer and Lewes.
Mr MacCleary said: “I have heard from huge numbers of residents about the impact this has had – from people stuck in traffic for hours to pupils nearly missing exams and local sports teams having to cancel fixtures.
“While safety must always come first, lessons clearly need to be learnt from how these works were planned and managed.
“The scale of disruption on one of the area’s busiest roads has been completely disproportionate.
“Roadworks of this scale might be unavoidable for major infrastructure upgrades but many residents will rightly question whether this level of disruption was justified for a new drive-through bakery.
“Following concerns raised with me, I contacted National Highways directly.
“They confirmed the original proposal would have seen daytime works continue for around nine weeks but that this was reduced following discussions with contractors.
“The current traffic management is expected to be removed following overnight works concluding on Friday 15 May (morning of Saturday 16 May), weather permitting.
“I know how frustrating this situation has been and I will continue pressing for a review into how works like this are handled in future so residents are not subjected to this level of disruption again.”
The work affecting the A27 itself is the construction of a new slip road for the Greggs that is being built next to the Esso petrol station on the eastbound side of the A27.
The BBC quoted the contractor Landbuild apologising for the disruption and saying that it was not directly involved with the new Greggs project.
The company said that it had been “lengthening slip roads to the service station and improving the combined pedestrian and cycle lane”.
As a result, Landbuild told the BBC: “Lane closures were needed to ensure safety of the workforce and a 50mph speed reduction was required to ensure the temporary barrier system performed correctly in the event of an accident.”
The company told the broadcaster that the work was “being carried out seven days a week and overnight” and was expected to end today Friday 15 May.
Having cars pull in and exit from the fast moving A 27, crossing the 2-way bike and pedestrian path to get sausage rolls is dumb & dangerous
It’s a petrol station. People have been doing that manoeuvre on this long straight bit of road for decades. A Greggs will make no difference to that.
Landbuild have been involved in other notoriously slow to complete roadworks projects in West Sussex such as unwanted cycle paths and the addition of pedestrian/cycle islands at roundabouts. Maybe be paid by the hour.
I love doughnuts
Ive decided not to use this petrol station ever again. These roadworks have been a nightmare. As for Greggs, certainly wont be using them either.
I wont be using this petrol station ever again and certainly not the Greggs. Its been an absolute nightmare.
Why are people acting like this is something new? There are far worse issues on our roads than a drive thru. Shut up, put up and be patient.. Safety is paramount.
I’m pretty sure no one is saying this is a new thing never heard of before , what they are saying is that it’s stupid and has caused chaos and was utterly unnecessary ( and before you get all excited I don’t mean the safety I mean the whole project)
The congestion has been awful particularly at busy time and in my opinion, in the aid of a Greggs drive through, not warranted. However, the tail backs could be reduced by closing the slip road from Falmer heading east on to the A27. This would stop essentially three lanes going into one. Agreed it would inconvenience traffic wanting to join there but they are in a minority compared to through traffic, they would have to detour and join further back. It would. Many drivers are dashing up the slip road and back onto the A27 in a Quest to save a few car lengths adding to the congestion.
The whole event is poorly organised and frankly unnecessary.
Madness now you know its crazy too
Its madness and very dangerous too were did the planning permission come form then to buit Greg’s then did people have there say then
Were people now invoice then why build here when people can order online on the app
Who approved the plan? Same people who won’t let anyone improve their homes?
Why is the west bound slip road at Falmer closing for 8 weeks . Starting the 15th of june