County Councillor Slams Simultaneous A27 and A259 Closures "complete lack of joined-up thinking"

County Councillor Lesley Boniface has criticised National Highways and East Sussex County Council over what she says, is a lack of communication which will see major road closures affecting the same transport corridor overnight tonight ( 9th November)

National Highways is set to close the A27 in both directions between the Ashcombe and Southerham roundabouts overnight tonight ( 9/10 November) , while East Sussex County Council's Highways Department is also closing Denton Corner roundabout on the A259 affecting access between Newhaven and Seaford.

The A259 work will continue overnight until November 16th.

The combined impact of the closures will mean lengthy diversion routes.

Councillor Boniface East Sussex County Councillor for Newhaven & Bishopstone  said:

"Residents will be rightly asking how two major highway authorities could allow this to happen at the same time. It appears there has been little or no coordination between National Highways and East Sussex County Council despite both closures affecting the same transport network.

"People travelling between Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford will face major inconvenience as a result. Diversions are already frustrating enough when they are unavoidable, but when two separate organisations create overlapping disruption on the same day, questions need to be asked.

"Local residents and businesses depend on reliable transport links. The lack of joined-up planning risks causing unnecessary delays, longer journey times and additional congestion on already busy local roads.

"Both authorities should have been speaking to each other well in advance to ensure the impact on the public was minimised. Residents deserve better."

Councillor Boniface is calling on both National Highways and East Sussex County Council to explain what discussions took place before the closures were announced and what steps are being taken to reduce the impact on local communities.

She added:

"Roadworks and maintenance are necessary, and residents understand that. What they do not understand is why two public bodies responsible for our road network seem unable to coordinate their activities. Better communication and forward planning would have prevented much of the disruption people now face."

Natinional Highways and East Sussex County Council have been asked for their comments.