The A283 in Storrington is to close this weekend for drainage works. West Sussex County Council has embarked on a £153,000 scheme to improve the drainage system serving the road to the east of the village. Two-way traffic lights have been in place on the A283 since work began on January 20. But because of the nature of the work, the A283 will have to be closed on two separate weekends. The road will be shut from 6am on Saturday, February 15 to 5am on Monday, February 17 and from 6am on Saturday, February 22 to 5am on Monday, February 24. A signed diversion for road-users will be in place for both closures. The project is expected to be completed by early March. Contractor Balfour Beatty is working seven days a week to get the project finished as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this work have to be carried out? The A283, between Hampers Lane and Sandgate Lodge, floods under heavy rainfall. This in turn causes properties nearby to flood as well.
What work has to be done? Improvements need to be made to the existing drainage system, such as upgrading pipes and providing new culverts.
Traffic lights are already up. Why is this? Traffic lights are required to provide protection to the workforce and motorists.
Why does the A283 have to be shut? The road will need to be closed over two consecutive weekends to allow two road crossings to be made. The road at these two locations is too narrow to allow the road to be kept open.
When will the A283 be shut? The road will be shut from 6am on Saturday, February 15 to 5am on Monday, February 17 and from 6am on Saturday, February 22 to 5am on Monday, February 24.
When will the works be completed? Early March. What time of day will the works take place? 7.30am to 6pm.
Can work be carried out in the evenings or overnight? No.
Who is responsible for the work? It is West Sussex County Council’s contractor Balfour Beatty.
How much will it cost? £153,000
Who is paying for it? West Sussex County Council.
Will this work be noisy? The works will involve excavation in order to lay the new pipes, so this process will be noisy. What disruption can motorists expect during the closure? The works are taking place with the use of two-way traffic lights. The lights will be in place seven days week, 24 hours a day. Significant delays will be expected, especially at peak times. The lights are required to allow the works to be constructed in a safe manner.
Will a diversion route be put in place and will they be signposted? A fully signed diversion route will be in place during the road closure period. The agreed diversion route will be via the A283 Washington Road/Manleys Hill, B2139 School Hill/Thakeham Road/Storrington Road/Coolham Road, B2133 Goose Green Lane/Billingshurst Road and A24 Ashington Bypass (in both directions).
What advice can you give motorists at this time? Use an alternative route or allow more time for your journey. Will this affect my bus journey? Buses will still operate along the route whilst the two-way lights are in use. During the two weekend closures, buses will need to use the diversion route.
Will emergency services be affected by this work? Emergency access will be maintained during the works.
Once this work on the A283 is finished, will any further works need to be done this year? No further planned works are anticipated.