HE plans to upgrade eastern A27 in Sussex, UK

Highways England (HE) has revealed plans to upgrade the eastern stretch of the A27 in Sussex with an investment of £75m, intended to improve daily journeys for 26,000 drivers using this route. 

Under the proposed plan, HE will carry out improvements at four junctions along the nine-mile stretch of the A27 between Lewes and Polegate.  

A section of Polegate bypass will be upgraded to a dual carriageway, in addition to improving walking and cycling facilities along the whole road stretch.

The proposed plans were put to the public last year, when 78% of respondents were in favour of the works.

Highways England project manager Tom Beasley said: "People’s input has helped to shape our plans and we’ve made some key changes to our proposals to make sure they deliver the biggest benefit.

"In particular we’ve prioritised improvements at Polegate including the Gainsborough Lane junction, over the Selmeston bypass option and introduced a new enhanced option for upgrading the Wilmington junction, all as a result of people’s input.

"There will be an opportunity for people to see more detailed plans when we present the final designs at public exhibition events next year."

The proposed plans include widening Drusillas Roundabout to improve journeys along the A27 and for north-south traffic at the junction.

Half a mile section of the A27 between the Polegate interchange and the Cophall roundabout is also planned to be upgraded to a dual carriageway.

In addition, the plan includes an upgraded, signalised junction at Polegate and major enhancements to the walking and cycle routes along this nine-mile stretch of the A27.

HE expects that the proposed plans would ease traffic congestion, as well as improve safety.

Works will be carried out as part of the government’s £15bn investment in roads between 2015 and 2020.