People using the A259 coast road face six months of disruption while work is carried out to replace old metal gas mains.
Southern Gas Networks (SGN), which is responsible for the work, said: “Where possible, we’ll keep traffic flowing on the A259 by suspending the bus lane so two-way traffic can pass our work area without the need for temporary traffic lights.”
Work is due to start next Monday (7 September) in South Coast Road, in Telscombe Cliffs, and last until the middle of next May. Work in Peacehaven could follow.
SGN said: “We’re preparing to carry out upgrades to the gas network along the A259 South Coast Road and surrounding streets in Telscombe Cliffs.
“This work will be delivered in phases between Monday 7 September 2026 and March 2027 and will involve replacing ageing metal gas mains and service pipes to ensure long-term safety and reliability for local homes and businesses.
“Where possible, we’ll keep traffic flowing on the A259 by suspending the bus lane so two-way traffic can pass our work area without the need for temporary traffic lights.”
SGN said that phase 1 would start next Monday, starting with preparation and connection works in Fairlight Avenue which will be closed at its junction with the A259 South Coast Road.
Phase 2, in South Coast Road at Fairlight Avenue, is due to start a week later on Monday 14 September 2026 and is expected to last about five weeks.
SGN said: “To keep traffic moving on the A259, we’ll suspend the bus lane and maintain two-way traffic past our works.
“We’ll be upgrading the gas main between Fairlight Avenue and the area outside Pets Corner, continuing eastwards towards Broomfield Avenue. A side road closure at Broomfield Avenue is planned from Monday 12 October.”
Phase 3, in South Coast Road at Broomfield Avenue, is due to start on Monday 19 October and last for about eight weeks, ending just before Christmas.
SGN said: “We’ll again suspend the bus lane to avoid temporary traffic lights and maintain two-way traffic. Work will continue along South Coast Road and into Broomfield Avenue, progressing east towards Highview Road.”
About five weeks has been scheduled for phase 4, at Highview Road, starting on Monday 4 January.
SGN said: “Work will take place within Highview Road which will need to be closed at its junction with South Coast Road while we upgrade the gas main. No traffic management will be required on South Coast Road during this phase.”
Phase 5, in Telscombe Cliffs Way and South Coast Road, is due to start on Monday 8 February and to last for about six weeks.
SGN said: “This phase will require four-way temporary traffic lights at the crossroads. We’ll be upgrading the gas mains west and east along South Coast Road, as well as into Telscombe Cliffs Way.”
The sixth and final phase is expected to affect South Coast Road and Central Avenue, starting on Monday 22 March and lasting about eight weeks until the middle of next May.
SGN said: “Work will continue eastwards along South Coast Road towards Central Avenue. Central Avenue will be closed at its junction with South Coast Road while we carry out this phase.
“We’ll also be upgrading the gas main within Central Avenue and continuing east towards the area opposite the Civic Centre and Toyota Brighton.
“This is a large project. Dates and phases may be adjusted as work progresses. We also have additional pipe upgrades to carry out along the A259 in Peacehaven which are in the planning stage. We’ll keep you updated once the programme is confirmed.”
