TRAVEL NEWS: Five weeks of delays during major A27 works near Arundel

Part of the road will be closed for five weeks, with traffic diverting onto a single-file contra-flow while the near-£1m scheme is underway.

Drivers are being advised to use alternative routes such as the A259 through Littlehampton, or allow extra time for their journeys, during the morning and evening rush hours.

More than 33,000 vehicles a day approach the junction along the A27 westbound and almost as many from the A284 from Littlehampton.

The work starts on Monday and contractors BAMM Nuttall, in a joint venture with Hanson, will carry out extensive repairs to crumbling embankments either side of the western section of the interchange, as it rises up towards the traffic lights where the carriageway divides for vehicles travelling to Littlehampton or continuing towards Arundel.

The road’s foundations have been badly affected by the roots of trees and bushes, and by the underlying soil contracting and expanding in very dry or wet periods. Evidence of the damage can be seen in road signs leaning at an angle. The signs, lighting columns and crash barriers, which have also been undermined by nature and the elements, will be replaced.

During this time, westbound traffic will divert onto the eastbound carriageway with a contra-flow in place. Drivers will be able to turn left towards Littlehampton, but those approaching from Littlehampton will have no right turn along the A27 towards Worthing and will instead have to continue to the first Arundel roundabout to make a 180-degree turn.

The speed limit will be reduced to 40 miles per hour through the roadworks, and a bus stop within the work area will be relocated slightly further along the A27 while the repairs go ahead.

All restrictions will be removed before the Easter weekend bank holiday, with contractors returning on Tuesday, April 10, to complete the resurfacing of the junction, with work scheduled to finish by Sunday, April 15.