The clearance of trees and vegetation will start on Monday 16 September (weather permitting) and is expected to take between six to eight weeks. This work is essential to enable pipework and utilities equipment to be moved and protected as the major road scheme progresses. None of the trees to be cleared are subject to tree preservation orders and there will be a replanting scheme.
The clearance work will take place between the A23 at Hickstead and the proposed Northern Arc site access roundabout (west of the junction with A273 Jane Murray Way). It is expected there will be little impact on traffic.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure Roger Elkins said: "This clearance work is essential preparation ahead of the major A2300 improvements scheme, which will widen around 2.5km of single-lane road to a dual carriageway.
"A significant amount of residential and commercial development is planned for the north and north-west of Burgess Hill and this will exacerbate the current traffic issues on the A2300. The improvements scheme will reduce congestion and so cut both journey times and pollution. We will also be providing new facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists to help promote sustainable transport."
Construction of the main scheme is expected to start in spring 2020. The scheme is forecast to cost around £23 million. The majority of the funding will be provided by central government through the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, with the rest coming from the County Council and developer contributions (S106 money).
Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital said: "This scheme aims to develop this road into a dual carriageway and therefore, hugely improve the roads capacity. This will reduce journey times and congestion, improve links to homes and businesses and encourage new infrastructure that will contribute to the local economic growth. We are delighted to see progress with the scheme and look forward to working closely with partners on developments."
The road widening will take place between the A23 at Hickstead and the proposed Northern Arc site access roundabout. Pookbourne Lane/Stairbridge Lane junction will be amended to become a left-in/left-out only junction and Bishopstone Lane junction will turn into a left-out only junction. Minor alterations will also be made to the A23 roundabout at Hickstead and Cuckfield Road roundabout to accommodate the new dual carriageway.
A new off-road shared footpath and cycle path will be provided to the north of the dual carriageway.
More details can be found on A2300 corridor improvements scheme.
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