Roadworks in Brighton and Hove are to be co-ordinated more closely to reduce disruption under a new scheme due to be approved next week.
A citywide traffic network management strategy will try to avoid roadworks, both council and utilities, taking place at the same time or in the same area, or at the same time as special events such as the marathon and Children’s Parade, or major developments such as the Circus Street redevelopment.
The strategy will build on a permit scheme introduced earlier this year.
Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee said: “There is a lot of investment going on in the city and a number of big developments coming up, which is great for Brighton and Hove.
“Work has just started on the redevelopment of the Circus Street market site, for example, and the redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital is underway, and we want to make sure we keep the city safely on the move while major projects are carried out.
“A roadworks permit scheme was introduced in March for scheduling of routine work and this proposal takes things a step further.
“We want to ensure we plan ahead and co-ordinate all the various things that affect the cities roads – major projects, transport projects, and roadworks – to minimise disruption and congestion and benefit everyone travelling around the city.”
She added: “There will inevitably always be some occasions when emergency roadworks have to be carried out, if there is a gas leak for example, but these can be dealt with alongside planned work.”
The strategy will be considered by the environment, transport and sustainability committee on Tuesday and if agreed in principle, more detailed plans will be brought back to a future meeting.
In April this year, the Traffic Commissioner called a summit to discuss the effect of roadworks on the city’s bus network, following months of disruption from works on the A259, Lewes Road, North Street and Edward Street.
