Beddingham rail bridge set to open

The Highways Agency is to close the A27 for two nights to complete the switch over of traffic from the old road to the new bridge which is part of a 32.45m scheme to improve safety and traffic flow.

The road will close from Southerham to Beddingham from 8pm tonight (Friday) night until 6am and again on Saturday night.

Traffic will be diverted via the A22 at Polegate to Horsted roundabout near Uckfield and south on the A26 via Lewes.

Local diversions for residents in Ranscombe Lane will be operated via Glynde village and Lacy's Hill.

The opening of the bridge stops traffic having to negotiate the level crossing which network rail has dubbed the most dangerous in the south east.

As well as removing the level crossing, the scheme includes an extra lane for westbound traffic, improvements to the Southerham and Beddingham roundabouts and better facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

Chris Bacon, project leader for the Highways Agency, said: 'The contract has been running since October last year and is due to finish over the summer of next year.

'This weekend is a major milestone as it has always been our objective to open the bridge by the end of 2007 which we have achieved.

'There were two main objectives to the scheme.

'One was to improve safety and the other to reduce congestion.

'The safety issue is with the level crossing which is rated the highest risk crossing in the south east of England.

'We have always been looking to remove that as quickly as possible.

'The second major objective was to relieve congestion.

'We have changed the roundabouts both in size and in the width of entry.

'Overall when we take the level crossing out there will be an improvement in journey times.'

Southern Rail said trains would run as normal.

First published 14 December 2007 4:12 PM