Planned improvements to one of the South Coast’s major highway bottlenecks on the A27 near Chichester have been cancelled, prompting expressions of disappointment from Highways England and local councils.

 

Several options for upgrading the bypass to the south of the town were put forward in a consultation, with local people preferring a £280M scheme to upgrade six junctions.

 

But the Department for Transport said the scheme was dependent on “support and financial contribution” of local authorities and claimed there was “no clear consensus on the best way forward”.

 

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “We are obviously disappointed at this decision as the improvement would have brought significant strategic benefits to the region.”

 

West Sussex County Council leader Louise Goldsmith said: “The cancellation means that the dreadful congestion experienced by motorists every day on this road will now only get worse. This is not only felt especially at peak times, but also on the alternative routes used locally by motorists avoiding the A27.

 

“We know many people will be very unhappy with the Secretary of State’s decision and we urge everyone to come together and work towards finding a solution.” She added that the County Council had committed £10M towards the scheme.

 

Chichester District Council leader Tony Dignum called on the Government to reconsider its decision. He said: “The District Council has sought a rerun of the consultation to include a wider range of options than those offered by Highways England.” Councillor Dignum added that the authority had promised £12M towards the scheme.

 

“If we are to persuade Government to change its mind about cancellation, the District Council and County Council need to work towards an agreed local view.”

 

(Photo: Google Maps)