First phase of new A29 bypass south of Fontwell submitted

The 1.3km of new single carriageway road would connect the A29 south of Eastergate Lane to the B2233 Barnham Road west of Downview Road.

A second southern phase would come forward separately.

According to the application submitted by West Sussex County Council, the realignment of the A29 aims to create capacity for expected traffic growth, reduce congestion, improve the reliability of journey times and support thousands of new homes and commercial development proposed in the area.

The new carriageway, at an average width of 7.3m, would include a three-metre wide shared cyclway and footway, one uncontrolled pedestrian crossing and three roundabouts.

From the northwest, the proposed scheme starts with a three-arm roundabout at a new junction with the A29 Fontwell Avenue.

From here it would run south east to join another three-arm roundabout, which would provide future access to the Barrett Homes development site.

The new carriageway then continues south east to a point where it will provide an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing for users of the public right of way.

A final section would board the north-western boundary of properties in Murrell Gardens and that of the Fordingbridge Industrial Estate before joining a new four-arm roundabout at a new junction with the B2233 Barnham Road.

A noise barrier would run between the new road alignment and the homes in Murrell Gardens.

A new access into the Fordingbridge Industrial Estate would also be created from the new section of road.

Beyond the B2233 Barnham Road, the new carriageway will link onto a temporary haulage road over land currently occupied by Fleurie Nursery.

This temporary road will provide access to a works compound including the main site offices, staff parking, meetings, contract admin, and welfare facilities.

Two further construction compounds are proposed, all of which will be in-situ for the entire duration of the works.

Meanwhile the existing electricity substation at Fontwell Avenue will be demolished, and a new replacement relocated east of the new roundabout.

Within the scheme the following plant mixes have been proposed: Orchard, woodland edge, woodland core, scrub, native hedgerow, wildflower meadow, amenity grass and wetland grass.

The application says: “The majority of the new carriageway will be built upon a small embankment to avoid road construction within areas of high groundwater levels. Drainage swales, filter drains and a grass filter strip are proposed adjacent to the carriageway to catch and filter ‘over the edge’ surface runoff.”

Once constructed the realigned section of A29 would be subject to a 30mph speed limit.

To view and comment on the plans visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/planning using code WSCC/052/20.