BRIDGE WORK ON A27 TO START

But the hardship should be worth it.

The new flyover over the railway, when it is ready, will rid the need for traffic to wait at the level crossing - a constant irritation for years and a potential death spot when impatient drivers occasionally cross the line when the half-barriers are down.

But there are those who would like to see improvements across the whole length of the A27.

David Quinn, president of Lewes Chamber of Commerce, said: 'I am very pleased to see the flyover on its way but personally I think the whole of the A27 between Lewes and Polegate needs upgrading.

'It is inadequate and dangerous: too many people have died there.

'It can be tastefuly done, as we have seen elsewhere in the country.'

The 32 million bridge will carry the road over the Lewes to Eastbourne railway and replace the level crossing.

he Highways Agency expects traffic to be able to use the new bridge towards the end of 2007 and the whole scheme will be completed in summer 2008.

Three old cottages, one the former home of MP Norman Baker, are to be demolished to make way for the bridge scheme which includes an improved 2.3 kilometre single carriageway road to provide two westbound and one eastbound carriageway and improvements to two roundabouts.

During the work, one lane on the A27 will be kept open in each direction at all times and there will be a 40mph speed restriction throughout.

The junction between the A27 and the road to Glynde, east of Beddingham roundabout will also be improved.

Public exhibitions on the work will be held on October 20 at the White Hart Hotel, Lewes, and on October 21 at the Glynde and Beddingham Reading Room.

Highways Agency engineers will be available to answer questions from 3pm to 9pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.