Be prepared for A27 chaos at Arundel – With diversion map
TWO towns are facing a weekend of traffic chaos and economic fall-out, after 11th hour attempts to stop the Highways Agency closing the A27 at Arundel for five weekends were thwarted.
At 8pm on Friday, September 12, Arundel's railway bridge will close to traffic, and not reopen until 6am on Monday, September 15.
It means Arundel will be cut off from the east, and diversion routes will bring cars into Littlehampton, adding to Saturday's town show traffic.
Click here to see a map showing the diversion route in operation while the bridge is closed.
Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs said: "I have spoken to the Highways Agency, which is carrying out the refurbishment work, and put to them various suggestions, such as waiting until January.
"I have been told that this is not possible.
"I am still in touch with them, and I will not give up."
James Walsh, Littlehampton town, Arun district and West Sussex county councillor, said it was crazy.
"In my 33 years in local government, this is the most crackpot idea I have come across.
"I have suggested night closures, but they said that would be too expensive.
"This closure will cripple traders in both towns, so the Highways Agency is effectively asking the residents to pick up the tab."
Arundel's traders are fighting back by offering discounts and incentives.
Clive Gardner, who has run Castle Chocolates in Tarrant Street for the last 20 years, said traders were worried the closure would leave Arundel deserted.
"The discounts are in place to encourage people to still visit and shop in Arundel, and to very clearly send the message: Arundel is still open!"
Spokesman for the Highways Agency, Roger Jones, said the work had been scheduled carefully to limit the delays, avoiding summer holidays, the Arundel Festival and Goodwood.
The bridge will be closed weekends commencing September 26, and October 10, 17 and 31.
A spokesman for the agency said the work was expected to be completed in the first three weekends, with the others scheduled as contingency.
What do you think about the closure?
How concerned are you about the effect on your business?
Are you put off travelling at the weekend because of the diversion?
How long a delay have you experienced in the diversions?
Share your views, comment below, email the Gazette or write in to, Readers' Letters, Littlehampton Gazette, 34 Beach Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5HT.
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Weather for Worthing
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
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Light showers
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