27.1 The Team
Manager, Strategic Economic Infrastructure introduced the report
and explained the background to current proposals for the A27. The
2013 study of the A27 identified a number of road traffic hotspots
and included an assessment of the options to deal with these
problems. The outcomes of this study were published in 2014 and
£75m of funding was allocated for small scale capacity
improvement schemes. Improvement scheme proposals to address
traffic problem hotspots around Selmeston, Berwick, Wilmington and Polegate are currently out for public
consultation.
27.2 The A27
Reference Group has continued to lobby for a better ‘off
line’ solution, and is looking to include proposals for
housing and employment in a revised business case for the
‘off line’ solution. The preference of the A27
Reference Group is for an ‘off line’ dual carriageway
road to be constructed to the north of the existing line of the
A27.
27.3 The Committee
discussed the proposals described in the report for small scale
capacity improvements and longer term solutions to the congestion
along the A27. The main points raised in the discussion are
summarised below.
-
The Director of CET explained that the off line
dualling (construction of a dual
carriageway) of the A 27 would not have access to side routes to
improve travelling times and to improve safety and road
performance. It would also address the negative impact on the
north-south movement of traffic that was caused by the poor
performance of A27 and the consequent re-assignment of routes as
drivers try to find ways to avoid the congestion.
-
Although the Committee welcomed any improvement to
the A27, it considered that the small scale capacity improvements
do not adequately deal with the problem.
-
The majority of the Committee supported the off line
dualling of the A27 as the best long
term solution, especially in view of 9,000 to10,000 additional new
houses identified for construction in South Wealden. This would be
the best option for the economy, to stop route diversion and
improve road safety. The preferred solution would be to have the
off line dual carriageway now rather that the smaller scale
capacity improvements, which seem of little long term
benefit.
-
The Director of CET explained that the A27 Reference
Group see the off line dualling of the
A27 as the long term solution, but it will take around 10 years to
deliver. The localised small scale capacity improvements will be
delivered by 2020 and will deal with the problems the road has now.
The department considers that the Drusillas roundabout and Polegate junction improvements deliver the most
benefit. The Selmeston and Wilmington
schemes do not offer much improvement or benefit.
-
The department’s view is to undertake the two
smaller improvement schemes with the most benefit (Drusillas roundabout and Polegate junction) and then focus work on the
longer term solution. The department considers that the plans for
the additional South Wealden housing improves the business case for
the off line dualling of the
A27.
-
One of the Committee members commented that many of
the villages are opposed to the dual carriageway, but would support
smaller improvements. Other Committee members supported the
improvements to the Polegate junction
and the Drusillas roundabout, but think
village communities would benefit from a new road as it will reduce
traffic going through them.
-
The A27 will be overcapacity by 50% by 2021. If the
off line solution is delivered, the existing A27 would be
de-trunked. Communities along the route will benefit from reduced
through traffic, reduced congestion, improved travel time and
improved road safety. The Highways England (HE) estimated cost of
an off line dual carriageway, including changes to the Cophall roundabout, is £410m.
27.4 The Lead
Member for Economy stated that Team East Sussex and all District
and Borough Councils see this as the highest priority for transport
improvement. The business case is based on the value of
connectivity, with a supplementary benefit to economy. Therefore,
the A27 Reference Group is pursuing this through the Department for
Transport rather than the Department for Business Innovation and
Skills.
27.5 The Lead
Member for Resources added that the A27 Reference Group is
absolutely still fighting for an off line solution. All the local
Members of Parliament are pressing for this longer term solution.
In the meantime there is an opportunity for some small scale
improvements, which will not affect business case for the longer
off line solution. The off line solution also has the full support
of South Downs National Park.
27.6 The Committee
RESOLVED to note the progress that is being made by Highways
England on their smaller scale proposals for the A27 between Lewes
and Polegate, and for making the case
for a more comprehensive offline solution that supports economic
growth specifically in the Eastbourne/South Wealden areas as well
as the rest of the county.