Proposals for more than £20million worth of highway improvements to ease congestion on the A2300 corridor and bring key economic benefits to Burgess Hill and the surrounding area go on display soon.
Phase 1 of the scheme aims to improve connectivity and increase capacity between the A23/M23 strategic road corridor and existing and new housing and commercial development in Burgess Hill - including the proposed Northern Arc development to the north and northwest of the town.
The proposals, which will be displayed in a series of public exhibitions later this month, include:
- Widening the existing A2300 from single to dual carriageway by constructing two new lanes immediately north of the existing road
- Modifications to the existing road layout, including roundabouts to allow for the road widening
- Providing a new footway/cycleway along the northern verge between the proposed Northern Arc access roundabout and the A23/A2300 interchange and the National Cycle Network
- New safety enhancements, including a central reservation with vehicle restraint barriers
- Improved landscaping, planting and environmental mitigation measures
The majority of funding for Phase 1 of the improvement scheme will be provided by central Government through the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership's Local Growth Fund. The remaining funds will be provided by the county council and from developer contributions.
A further £12.5million is available from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and developers' contributions to deliver sustainable transport measures across Burgess Hill. The county council is also working with developers to identify potential opportunities for further sustainable transport improvements west of Burgess Hill and is inviting responses on these for future further improvements along the A2300 corridor.
Roger Elkins, county council Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: "The A2300 corridor improvements scheme is hugely significant for Burgess Hill and the surrounding area as it will deliver more than £20million worth of investment in highways and help to unlock significant improvements.
"Public drop-in sessions are being held this month (details, below) and I would urge people to tell us what they think about the proposals - your feedback is truly valued."
Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital, said: "Improving transport mobility is identified as a strategic priority in the Coast to Capital Strategic Economic Plan - 'Gatwick 360'. The proposals for the A2300 will greatly benefit businesses in Burgess Hill and the surrounding areas and we are delighted to be able to support this through Local Growth Fund investment of £17million."
Mid Sussex District Council Leader Cllr Garry Wall said: "Our vision for Burgess Hill is to make the town one of the most attractive places in the region to live and to do business.
"The Burgess Hill Growth Programme will deliver significant development and investment over the next 15 years including 5,000 new homes, new schools, gigabit capable, full-fibre broadband, new business parks, regeneration of the town centre and the region's first science and technology park.
"The delivery of supporting infrastructure is an essential part of our plans and these improvements to the A2300, alongside further investment in sustainable transport, will be key to unlocking the future prosperity of the town.
"This is a really exciting time for Burgess Hill as it grows into a fully sustainable, 21st Century town."
If you would like to find out more about future plans for Burgess Hill, you can visit www.BurgessHill.net
The drop-in sessions will be held at:
- Burgess Hill Town Council, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill RH15 9AS Tuesday 18 September, 10am - 4pm
- The Triangle Leisure Centre, Triangle Way, Burgess Hill RH15 8WA Saturday 22 September, 2pm - 6pm
- Burgess Hill Town Council, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill RH15 9AS Tuesday 25 September, 10am - 4pm
- The Hickstead Hotel, Jobs Lane, Hickstead RH17 5NZ Thursday 27 September, 4pm - 8pm
- Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint BN6 9UY Wednesday 3 October, 2.30pm - 6.30pm
County council officers and representatives from their consultants will be on hand to answer questions and provide further information.
Our website page at www.westsussex.gov.uk/a2300 is due to go live by September 17 and anyone who cannot attend one of the drop-in sessions can download our brochure and complete the online survey. Closing date for responses is midnight Sunday, 28 October, 2018.
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