Project Timeline
Current Status
Construction is expected to commence in Autumn 2026.
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Project Timeline
1. Feasibility and Option Development (2022 - 2024)
Initial feasibility work identified the need to improve bus journey times and reliability along the A259 Seaside and St Anthony’s Avenue corridor. Options were developed and refined during this stage.
2. Public Consultation (July - September 2023, July - August 2024)
An initial public consultation was carried out in 2023 to gather feedback on early proposals, including bus priority measures and changes to the road layout. Following feedback received during the 2023 consultation, the scheme proposals were revised before a further public consultation was undertaken in 2024. Approval to progress the scheme was granted by the County Council's Lead Member for Transport and Environment in November 2024.
3. Preliminary Design (2024 - 2025)
The scheme was developed through preliminary design, with updates made in response to consultation feedback and ongoing technical work.
4. Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Pre-Consultation (December 2024 - January 2025)
An informal pre-consultation on draft Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) measures was undertaken to gather stakeholder feedback on proposals such as bus lanes, vehicular movements, loading changes and parking restrictions.
5. Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Consultation (May - August 2025)
The formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation was carried out to advertise the proposed changes and consider representations before progressing the scheme. Following the consultation process, including a re-advertisement of the TRO, the responses received were considered and a report was presented to the Planning Committee at the 15 October 2025 meeting. The committee resolved to proceed with the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised.
6. Detailed Design (2025 - 2026)
Following completion of the preliminary design stage, the project team progressed to undertaking the detailed design stage to support the development of the scheme to construction level, including final layouts and technical design.
7. Tree Consultation (May - June 2026)
A tree consultation was carried out regarding the proposed loss of one English elm tree on Seaside. Following the consultation, the Local Highway Authority approved the proposal to remove the tree on 3 July 2026. Replacement tree planting is proposed in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council to help offset the loss.
8. Upcoming – Construction (2026 - 2027)
Construction is expected to begin in Autumn 2026 and refined timescales will be shared in due course. Timescales are subject to no additional issues causing delays to delivery.