Government reveals plans for major A27 improvements

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander announced a £15 billion plan to ‘dramatically improve the (road) network and unlock Britain’s economic potential’, to Parliament this morning.

Mr McLoughlin described the plan as the ‘biggest, boldest and most far-reaching roads programme for decades’, admitting Britain’s roads had suffered from under-investment for ‘too long’.

The plan includes a new dual-carriageway bypass at Arundel, plus further improvements around Worthing, Lancing and Lewes. It is hoped the changes will help the A27 link together as a single route, supporting the development of the local economy and removing notorious congestion hotspots.

Mr Alexander said: “These projects, like the scheme on the A27 around Arundel, will help unleash the economic potential of both the regions they serve and of the overall economy.”

The region will benefit from 18 new schemes worth around £1.4 billion and an estimated 900 construction jobs will be created.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said: “I promised when I was in the South East that we would address this area’s economic needs for the future.

“Our plans will transform some of the country’s most important strategic routes, such as our ambitious projects to improve the M25 and A27, and spending on important local infrastructure will boost productivity and help the local economy of the South East.”

Changes to the A27 at Arundel are subject to consultation with the National Parks Authority, local authorities and the publication of alternative options, meanwhile, improvements to the A27 at Worthing and Lancing are subject to consultation with West Sussex County Council and the public.