Study examines Arundel bypass benefits

Arun and Horsham district and West Sussex County councils have commissioned Parsons Brinckerhoff to look at the issues, in a bid to help create a business case for the project which could increase the likelihood of securing funding.

The first phase of the work will be a survey of businesses that use the A27 at Arundel, before the company then uses that information to calculate the wider benefits of a bypass, such as economic growth, job creation and impacts on land values.

Gillian Brown, leader of Arun Council, said: “It has been on the wish list for a long time to find a solution to the issues of the A27 in Arundel. We believe the road congestion has a huge economic impact, including reducing the opportunities to create more jobs in the area.”

Businesses located near Arundel, or which rely on the A27 through the town to connect them to suppliers and customers, are being asked to give their views on a two-way dual carriageway, running from west of Arundel, then round the south of the town to the A27 junction with the A284 at Crossbush.

Pieter Montyn, West Sussex cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is an important survey and shows that, working with our partners, we are maintaining the pressure for a badly needed Arundel by-pass.

“I hope that the business community and their customers will take the time to respond, so that we can develop a compelling economic case for the scheme.”

He added: “At the same time, I want to reassure people that we are also lobbying hard for improvements to the A27 at Chichester and between Worthing and Lancing.”

The survey, which will be open until September 28, typically takes around 10 minutes to complete, and can be accessed here.