2 weeks Ago
There are fears about the “spiralling costs” of a new two-lane bridge on the A259. The Liberal Democrats said spending an “eyewatering” £21 million on the Exceat Bridge project as it stands is “nonsensical” and raised safety concerns about the scheme. Comments came after East Sussex County Council agreed to “re-direct” more than £11 million towards plans to replace the single-lane bridge— which forms part of the A259 between Seaford and Eastbourne — with a new two-lane, two-way bridge.
The additional funding for the project is to be drawn from money tied to the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Councillor Carolyn Lambert, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Seaford South, said residents are “alarmed” by the scheme’s swelling price tag. “Having already spent nearly £5 million with no clear output at all, East Sussex County Council are now saying that the overall cost will double to at least £21.
8 million – and that’s if there are no further overruns,” she said. “I also have real concerns about the knock on effect on traffic volumes in Seaford itself. Making it easier and faster to drive through Exceat will undoubtedly encourage more drivers to use it as an alternative to the A27 - especially when there is disruption - which will only add to existing pinch points in the town like the mini roundabout outside the train station.
"I am very worried that this has not been properly thought through.” The proposals saw opposition from some councillors during Tuesday's cabinet meeting, who argued the project was proving to be too expensive and should be dropped. James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, said the new bridge is “much needed” but that it also needs to meet the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.
“It's frankly nonsensical to spend over £20 million of public money on a scheme that still leaves cycling from Seaford to Exceat dangerous and difficult,” he said. “This should be an opportunity to promote sustainable transport, not sideline it. “The council’s plans also raise serious concerns about road safety.
Removing the traffic lights is likely to increase speeding in an area already hazardous for pedestrians near the visitor centre. “Meanwhile, there appears to be no adequate plan to deal with diverted traffic when the A259 is closed to accommodate the construction work – something that would have serious implications for villages like Alfriston, Litlington and Lullington.” The MP also criticised the re-allocation of cash from the bus fund.
“This heavily affects Newhaven in particular and I was amazed to hear that despite the cuts they are still going to press ahead with the bus lanes on The Drove that will bring very little benefit to bus users and enormous disruption for everyone else,” he said. “I’ve invited the council’s Director of Transport personally to come to Newhaven to see in person to see the traffic issues for himself. We need to rethink the BSIP plans urgently and ensure public money is spent wisely.
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