LETTER: The case for the northern A27 is '˜overwhelming'

Complaints varied from extreme frustration at lengthy delays to near terror at trying to negotiate the roundabouts.

Some ten years ago a councillor came to us and gave a very good presentation of a possible northern bypass and raised hopes all round. The route suggested then is much as the ones now gaining favour now and the increasing density of traffic is making matters more pressing.

The early release of the relevant maps should enable all of us to make reasoned assessments of the exact routes and their likely impact on traffic movements and the environment.

There have been already some hysterical, unsubstantiated assertions about how a northern bypass would perhaps result in huge financial losses to Chichester and Goodwood?

If I was in such an entertainment business myself I would welcome the prospect of customers having such ready access to my door.

Final judgement must await publication of further details, e.g costings. However, some matters seem clear and I give these to you now. Please consider them.

1. Enhancement of the present southern route would involve five new junctions, mainly of the complex flyover/roundabout type. Either one of the two proposed northern routes would, in contrast, only involve just one such construction. Cost comparisons are self evident and blatant.

2. Either one of the northern routes would pass through largely undeveloped land (see the maps) clear of the National Park so minimising adverse effects on people and residential areas.

3. A timescale for the works on the five flyover/roundabout constructions on the present southern bypass has been quoted as from three to five years. Yes, read it again, three to five years of heavy roadworks, probable diversions, one way systems with traffic lights, noise and dust from construction machinery and all undertaken whilst the already near capacity traffic flow is trying to wend its way through round the bypass and the rest of us are trying to cross or join. What a prospect.

Other factors are emerging such as the problem of air pollution near the Donnington roundabout being measured as sometimes exceeding the EU limits and such pollution drifting towards the schools thanks to the prevailing winds.

The case for a northern bypass is looking overwhelming.

Mark Neave

Runcton Lane,

Runcton