In this newsletter, you'll find:

• New transport proposals aim to improve journeys in the Durrington area
• £1.8m investment delivers safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes across West Sussex
• Be bright, be seen: staying safe as the nights draw in
• Tree maintenance - Ash dieback
• Buchan Country Park recognised for conservation success
• Highway improvement works
• Utility projects update

New transport proposals aim to improve journeys in the Durrington area

West Sussex County Council is inviting feedback to help shape a new set of transport proposals designed to improve journeys in the Durrington area.

The proposals focus on making bus journeys faster and more reliable, improving crossing facilities and addressing congestion to provide better journeys to work, schools, local shops and public transport.   

The scheme is being developed as part of the delivery of the West Sussex Transport Plan, which supports the council’s priorities for healthier communities, a sustainable environment and a prosperous economy.

In 2024, West Sussex County Council consulted on a range of transport improvements between Durrington and Goring. Feedback from that consultation has helped shape a new set of proposals focused on the Durrington area, including The Boulevard. Now, the council is seeking views from residents on the latest designs.

Drop-in events will also be held to give people the opportunity to view the plans in person and speak to members of the project team:

• Monday 9 November, 4pm to 7pm at Durrington High School (Pavillion)
• Durrington High School (The Pavillion), The Boulevard, Worthing BN13 1JX
• Thursday 12 November, 3pm to 7pm at Worthing Indoor Bowls Club
• 1 Field Place, The Boulevard, Worthing BN13 1NP

The consultation closes at 23:55 on Monday 30 November 2026.

£1.8m investment delivers safer walking, wheeling and cycling routes across West Sussex

Residents across West Sussex are benefiting from a series of upgrades making walking, wheeling and cycling safer, more accessible and more attractive for everyday journeys, thanks to close to £1.8 million of funding from Active Travel England.

West Sussex County Council secured £1,797,149 through Active Travel England’s Consolidated Active Travel Fund 2025, which recently helped deliver four active travel projects in Horsham, Arundel, Shoreham and Worthing.

The schemes have introduced new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, safer routes to schools, enhanced accessibility for disabled and visually impaired people, lower traffic speeds and better facilities for cyclists. The improvements are designed to give residents safe, convenient and affordable alternatives to car travel, while supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing emissions.

Be bright, be seen: staying safe as the nights draw in

As the clocks go back, make sure you're seen

On Sunday 25 October, the clocks went back one hour, marking the end of British Summer Time. This means lighter mornings, but much darker evenings.

As the nights draw in, making yourself visible to drivers is one of the simplest ways to stay safe when walking, wheeling, cycling or riding.

Dark clothing absorbs light and can make it much harder for drivers to spot you, particularly on roads with little or no street lighting. Light-coloured and bright clothing helps, but reflective clothing and accessories are far more effective because they reflect vehicle headlights back towards the driver.

If you regularly travel after dark, consider carrying reflective items such as armbands, slap bands, reflective strips or a high-visibility vest. These take up very little space in a pocket or bag and can easily be worn over darker clothing when needed. Carrying a torch can also help you see where you're going and make you more noticeable to others.

It's also important not to assume a driver has seen you just because you can see their vehicle. Darkness, poor weather, glare from lights and other distractions can all affect what a driver is able to see. Always take extra care when crossing roads after dark and make eye contact with drivers where possible before stepping into the road.

A few simple steps before setting out can help drivers see you sooner, give everyone more time to react safely and reduce the risk of collisions during the darker months ahead.

Remember: Be bright, be reflective and be seen.

Tree maintenance - Ash dieback

Since September, the tree team has been undertaking a programme of ash dieback works across the county which will continue until March.

To enable to these essential works to be delivered safely, traffic management will be in place. Parish Councils will be advised of dates and locations of works taking place this winter. 

If you are a private landowner with ash trees on your property, it is your responsibility to monitor your trees regularly for signs of decline and arrange any necessary remedial works during the winter period which may include:

• checking for preservation orders
• checking whether you are in a conservation area
• whether a felling licence is required to undertake works

If you are unsure of a tree's condition or the works that may be required, seek advice from a suitably qualified arboricultural professional. 

Buchan Country Park recognised for conservation success

The team's hard work at Buchan Country Park has been recognised with the approval of the new 2026-30 Management Plan by Natural England, providing a clear framework for protecting and enhancing the park's nationally important habitats over the coming years.

This approval confirms that planned management activities will continue to support the County Council's responsibilities to conserve and enhance the site and its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), helping to safeguard its valuable wildlife and landscapes for future generations.

Further positive recognition came in July when Natural England carried out a mid-term assessment of the Park's Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Scheme, which provides funding for habitat improvement works. The review highlighted a number of successful improvements already delivered on site and concluded that the agreement is being managed very effectively and remains firmly on track to achieve its long-term conservation objectives.

These excellent outcomes reflect the dedication, expertise and commitment of everyone involved in managing Buchan Country Park, ensuring the site continues to thrive for both wildlife and visitors.

The habitat enhancements being delivered through the Management Plan and Stewardship Scheme also make an important contribution to the Council's biodiversity and climate change commitments, helping to increase habitat resilience, support species recovery, improve carbon storage and strengthen the natural environment's ability to adapt to a changing climate.

Highway improvement works

A29 Realignment Scheme: Early Works Commenced

Work is progressing well on the first stage of the A29 Realignment Scheme, an important project being delivered by West Sussex County Council to improve transport links in the area. The scheme will provide a new road to the east of Eastergate, Westergate and Woodgate, helping to reduce congestion, improve journey reliability, support planned housing and employment growth, and create safer routes for all road users. The current works form part of the early construction phase for the new Barnham Road roundabout and associated infrastructure.

Over the past few months, significant progress has been made on site, with several key milestones already completed.

Carriageway and Footway Works

We are undertaking surface treatments across the county, with the following projects starting in the coming weeks.

You can read more about what happens during each of the road and footway surface treatments here - Maintaining roads, verges and pavements - West Sussex County Council

Further information on each of the works can also be found via one.network

A283 Fisherstreet Crossroads - Local Safety Scheme

26 October 2026 until 13 November 2026

We will be undertaking a Local Safety Scheme at A283 Fisherstreet Crossroads, Northchapel, from 26 October until 13 November 2026. The works will include improvements to direction and warning signs on the approaches to the crossroads, along with vegetation clearance where required to improve visibility.

To allow the works to be completed safely, temporary traffic signals will be in operation as required throughout the works. The location of the signals will change depending on where work is taking place. Works will generally be carried out Monday to Friday between 7:30am and 5:30pm, with traffic signals removed or switched off whenever possible outside working hours.

The scheme has been developed in response to concerns about the number of road traffic collisions at the crossroads. When complete, the new and clearer signs will help road users navigate the junction more easily and are expected to improve safety by helping to reduce the number of recorded injury collisions.

We thank residents and road users for their patience while these important safety improvements are carried out.

Upper Shoreham Road Active Travel Improvements

26 October to 6 November 2026

Remedial works associated with the Upper Shoreham Road Active Travel Improvements scheme will be taking place between 26 October and 6 November 2026.

To allow the works to be carried out safely, temporary multi-way traffic signals will be in operation on sections of Upper Shoreham Road during the works. Some temporary footway closures will also be required, with signed diversion routes available for pedestrians.

Working hours will be 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, with work taking place in the following phases;

• Buckingham Road from 26 to 30 October
• Upper Shoreham Road from 2 to 6 November.

We appreciate that the traffic management may cause some delays and would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these essential works are completed.

Utility projects update

Gas works

Stockbridge Road, Chichester

Essential gas main replacement works on Stockbridge Road are progressing well. Since work began on 10 October, the site team has successfully started installing the new gas main.

We understand that road closure is affecting residents, local businesses, and those travelling to and from the Witterings and Manhood Peninsula. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these essential works take place. We are working hard to minimise disruption wherever possible, while ensuring the safety of both the workforce and all road users.

The signed diversion route remains in place via the A27 Chichester Bypass, B2145 and B2201 Chichester Road through the Sidlesham Triangle. Multi-way temporary traffic signals have been installed to help larger vehicles, including buses, safely navigate the turning. Additional temporary traffic lights on Appledram Lane South are installed to help maintain the traffic flow.

Please be aware that, from Monday 30 November, gas works will be carried out on Birdham Road between The Meadows and Strides Court for approximately four weeks, with multi-way temporary traffic lights in operation.

These works may affect local bus services, so passengers are encouraged to checkStagecoach Service Updates.

These works are essential to replace an ageing gas main that has experienced three emergency gas leaks in the past six months. Replacing the gas main will help provide a safe and reliable gas supply for residents across the peninsula while reducing the risk of future emergency repairs and unplanned service disruptions.

While many residents are understandably keen to see the project completed as quickly as possible, the replacement is being carried out on a live gas network and cannot safely operate 24 hours a day. To help complete the work as efficiently as possible, the site team is already working extended hours from 7am to 7pm, six days a week.

Unfortunately, there have been a number of incidents where vehicles have attempted to drive through the closure, causing damage to the traffic management equipment in place to protect road users and the workforce on site. Incidents resulting in damage to traffic management equipment have been reported to Sussex Police.

The road closure is there for everyone’s safety. We ask everyone to plan their journey ahead, follow the signed diversion routes, and respect the temporary traffic management measures in place.

Recognising the impact of the road closure on vulnerable residents, West Sussex County Council (WSCC), in partnership with Community Transport Sussex, is providing a free return minibus service to help people travel to and from Chichester. The service has been introduced to support those who may otherwise face difficulties travelling during the closure.

This service is funded through Lane Rental Exceptional Funds and commenced on 10 October, continuing until 27 November 2026.

Chichester Road, Selham Road; Midhurst

Work is continuing to replace the ageing gas main in the area. The current programme of works is outlined below. Please note that dates and durations may be subject to change depending on site conditions and progress.

If you need further information about these works, you can contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or alternatively you can call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, please follow Causeway one.network.

Water infrastructure upgrades

Bull Hill, Rake

South East Water and its contractor, Clancy, continues to carry out the replacement of approximately 1.15 kilometres of water main pipework. The works commenced on 27 July 2026 and is expected to take around 6 months to complete. These works are essential due to a number of leaks and burst water mains in and around the Rake area.

The water main replacement is taking place along Bull Hill and Canhouse Lane. To facilitate the works, rolling road closure is in place, starting at the Bull Hill junction with London Road and progressing towards Canhouse Lane as the works advance.

Find out more and sign up at Priority Services | South East Water. If you have any questions or concerns before the work starts, please call our advisors on 0333 000 0018 (Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm) or via email @ Wholesale Contact Us | South East Water.

Keep up to date 📱💻

Facebook, X, Bluesky & WhatsApp

Updates on emergency reports are posted every day and project updates are posted frequently on the West Sussex Highways Facebook @West Sussex Highways, X @WSHighways, and Bluesky @wshighways.bsky.social accounts.

Did you know you can get gritter alerts, grass-cutting updates and up-to-date information on road issues on WhatsApp? You can follow silently or opt for alerts to notify you when we share an update. To find us open WhatsApp and select "Updates" from the bottom menu, then simply search for WSHighways or click the link - WSHighways.

Produced by the Customer Communications Officer, Highways Transport and Planning. Please contact active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk with any comments or suggestions for future articles.