Littlehampton is situated just three miles south of A27, connected by A284. It is the main trunk road along the south east. The junction at Arundel, where it is reduced to a single carriageway (creating a bottleneck) is significantly over capacity and often extremely congested, causing long queues and delays. Highways England has been looking into options to improve the network in terms of reducing commuting times, making communities more accessible, improving safety, and reducing the associated cost to businesses and individuals.
Three route options for a bypass were drawn up by Highways England, in liaison with West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and Arun District Council (ADC), with Highways England announcing their preferred route in October 2020. As of May 2021, three consultations have been carried out, with Ground Investigation (GI) Surveys of the ecology of the proposed route ongoing.
The cost of building the new bypass is estimated in excess of £320m (central government funding) with work expected to start in 2023 or 2024, and completion expected between 2025 and 2030. The project will make Littlehampton more accessible by road and give an economic boost to local communities.
The scheme for Arundel is one part of a package of schemes by Highways England intended to reduce congestion along the south coast. In connection with the Arundel Bypass improvements on A27 at Worthing and Lancing are being explored.
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