Work has started at Stonepound Crossroads in Hassocks – which will leave Hurst Road closed until the end of the school holidays.
The project, which is a condition of the planning permission for 129 homes being built by Barratt David Wilson Homes off London Road, will take place in two phases and includes upgrading ‘ageing traffic signals’, which will improve the busy junction’s capacity.
The first phase also includes works to widen Hurst Road and preparation work to facilitate a new cycle route scheme between Sayers Common and Downlands School.
During the school holidays there will be three-way traffic lights at the junction, while Hurst Road is closed at the junction. A diversion is in place for those travelling between Hurstpierpoint and Hassocks.
All businesses are clearly open as usual during this disruption. Lindsay Thompson, speaking on behalf of Hurst Traders, commented: “As local retailers we want to be upbeat about the summer. We’re working hard as a group to introduce new programmes and fun offerings while this work is going on, creating even more reasons for you to visit the High Street in Hurst, which is still very much open for business. We are so grateful for the support we receive from you all, day in and day out, without which many of us wouldn’t still be operating.
For the next month or so, could we dare ask for that one extra purchase a week?” She went on: “It’s going to be far more pleasant taking a trip to the village; less traffic and fumes, safer pavements, a better chance of parking and, dare I say, no road rage!”
Hurst Road is due to be closed until 2nd September, after which the crossroads will use four-way temporary lights until early November.
A West Sussex Highways spokesperson said: “This type of work does cause inconvenience for residents, businesses and road users, for which we apologise, but every effort will be made by the developer and its contractor to limit disruption as much as possible. For example, there will be a dedicated traffic marshall for the duration of the project to operate the temporary traffic lights between 7am and 6.30pm.”
The second phase of this work is expected to be completed by 30th January 2020.