Bexhill to Hastings link road – frequently asked questions
In 2004 we asked people living in Bexhill and Hastings whether they wanted a link road and where it should be built. There was overwhelming support for a new road, with the ‘Modified blue route’ being preferred.
Why do you want to build a new road?
Building the link road will bring real benefits to Bexhill and Hastings, including:
- faster and more reliable access to the Conquest Hospital
- easier access to jobs, particularly on some of the major industrial estates
- creating access to allow others to develop much-needed housing
- reducing the number of accidents on local roads
- re-routing traffic from less suitable roads.
It will also improve the air quality along Bexhill Road (A259) which is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). This means it is an area where we are trying to improve air quality and reduce pollution.
How much will it cost?
The Bexhill to Hastings link road will cost about £89 million and will bring substantial economic and other benefits to both towns. Because of this, we have been able to agree with the Department for Transport that this should be a priority project. This means that most of the cost of the road will not be paid for directly by East Sussex residents.
What do local residents want?
In our 2004 consultation, we asked 65,000 local residents for their comments on the link road and which route they preferred. We received over 2,500 responses with 84% of residents in favour of a link road. 24% of residents were in favour of the ‘Modified blue route’.
Find out more about the autumn 2004
Bexhill to Hastings link road consultation.
When will it be built?
Subject to a planning decision in summer 2008, work on the link road is planned for autumn 2009, with completion in 2011.
Which route does the road take?
The road will link the outskirts of Bexhill and Hastings, easing congestion and improving air quality on the A259 at Glyne Gap. The route has been chosen to minimise the impact on the environment and make the most of opportunities to improve the quality of life for people in the area.
The link road will be 5.5km long and start at the A259 in Bexhill. It will run along the line of the disused Bexhill to Crowhurst railway line and then pass around the northern side of the Combe Haven Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). From there it will go to the south of the Marline Valley Woods SSSI crossing the Hastings to London railway line to join Queensway just north of Crowhurst Road.
The rural part of the road will include a separate safe ‘greenway’ for cycling, walking and horse riding and enable users to enjoy this part of the Pebsham Countryside Park and wildlife area.
View a map showing the route of the Bexhill to Hastings link road.
How are you making sure the environment is protected?
The design team have carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to help them to find ways of reducing the effect of the road on both natural and man-made features. An overview of the results of the EIA can be downloaded in the Environmental Statement – non-technical summary.
The link road team are working very closely with local authorities and other organisations including:
Together they will make sure that the link road has as little effect as possible on the valley and that it is protected so future generations can enjoy it.
Further information
For more information about the Bexhill to Hastings link road, please contact:
Tel: 0845 60 80 193
Email:
Bexhill to Hastings link road
