A259 Bognor Regis to Littlehampton

Visit the CONSULTATION UPDATES tab at the bottom of this page for the latest news about this project.

Introduction to the 2023 consultation

The A259 is a major road connecting towns and communities along the south coast of England and forms part of the Major Road Network (MRN) identified by the Department for Transport (DfT). A feasibility study was undertaken to assess the key routes in West Sussex against the MRN objectives, and the A259 Bognor Regis to Littlehampton corridor which experiences congestion and road safety concerns, has been identified as a short-term priority for improvements by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) in its Transport Plan for 2022 to 2036.

The A259 Bognor Regis to Littlehampton corridor enhancement is considered as one of the top ten priority schemes for DfT’s MRN funding investment in the South East by Transport for the South East. In late 2021 WSCC was awarded a grant by the DfT to develop an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the scheme.

Previous Consultation

65 options were considered, and 23 options were short-listed for detailed assessment by key stakeholders during a stakeholder engagement event in early 2020. The 23 short-listed options were further reduced following an online key stakeholder engagement in summer 2020.

A single option was presented at each location during the online public consultation in summer 2021 and the level of support received for each location was between 56% and 79%. Following the consultation feedback, one location: Wick (Morrisons) Roundabout was removed from the scheme package following confirmation to proceed with the construction of the A284 Lyminster bypass.

This Consultation

The scheme was developed further following the feedback received during 2021 public consultation and is now progressing towards the submission of the OBC to the DfT later this year.

Between the 13th March - 23rd April 2023 we engaged with stakeholders interested in the scheme as well as potentially affected landowners. The aims of the 2023 non-statutory consultation were to:

• Inform about the outline design proposal developed at each of the nine locations
• Receive feedback on the outline design proposals to allow us to refine them further before OBC submission and further consultation phases

Need and Benefits of the Scheme

The A259 is operating at or close to capacity particularly during peak periods and is susceptible to further delays caused by the slightest incident on the road network. Its proximity to the A27 means that any traffic related issues there can result in increased demand on the A259. Traffic flows are predicted to increase along the A259 corridor by an average of 18% between 2017 and 2038.

Analysis of collision data for the 5-year period between 2017 and 2022 from West Sussex Police showed that there are collision hotspots at main junctions along the A259 corridor such as Comet Corner, Oystercatcher, Church Lane roundabout, Ferry Road and Bridge Road roundabout.

The planned residential and employment developments identified in the current adopted Arun Local Plan will put further pressure on the A259, particularly along the corridor between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

The scheme is needed to address congestion and road safety concerns and cater for planned economic growth. Its specific objectives are:

• To reduce congestion along the corridor
• To improve journey time reliability along the corridor
• To improve road safety and address known collision hotspots
• To improve the conditions for walking, cycling and horse riding and thus encourage a switch from car travel
• To provide bus priority measures to encourage a switch to bus travel

It should be noted that funding for implementation of the scheme has not been confirmed and would be determined by the outcome of the OBC (or funding bid) review by the DfT.

If the funding bid is successful, it is anticipated that 85% of funding for the scheme would be provided by the DfT and the remaining 15% would come from local sources such as developer contributions and WSCC’s own funds. At the time of the 2023 consultation, the scheme was estimated to cost around £37.5m (at 2023 prices).

A summary report of the 2023 consultation results can be found in the Documents widget on the right-hand side of the project page.

Design Proposals

The scheme focuses on improving nine locations between the A259/B2132 Yapton Road junction (Comet Corner) and the A259/B2187 Bridge Road (Tesco) roundabout as well as revising the speed limits along the corridor between A259/B2259 Flansham Lane and Bridge Road roundabouts.

1 - Comet Corner Junction

The purpose of this proposal was to address road safety concerns, reduce delays from side roads and provide better and easier access for pedestrians, cyclists, bus and car users. The existing staggered crossroads junction would be replaced with a four-arm roundabout. As a result, the following changes would need to be made:

• Realignment of A259 (east and west arms) and B2132 Yapton Road (north and south arms)
• Modification of B2132 Yapton Road north/caravan park junction
• New north-east bound bus only lane bypassing the roundabout
• Two relocated bus stops with new shelters on B2132 Yapton Road north
• Existing access to private properties on B2132 Yapton Road south would be maintained
• Worms Lane to be made redundant
• Realigned section of existing NCN2 footway/cycleway
• New section of footway/cycleway to south-east of the roundabout and new footpath on east side of B2132 Yapton Road south
• Two new toucan crossings, one on east arm of A259 and one on B2132 Yapton Road north
• New street lighting and planting (details to be determined)
• Existing 50mph speed limit on the A259 approaches to the junction to be reduced to 40mph

In response to feedback from the 2021 consultation, the following two key changes were included in the updated proposal:

• Location of the roundabout has been moved north of the existing A259
• Two new toucan crossings have been added

It should be noted that the proposal at the Comet Corner junction would also be subject to a planning application to meet legislative requirements as part of the Planning Act 2008.

Comet Corner Map (opens in new window)

2 - Public Rights of Way (Footpaths 166 and 165)

The purpose of this proposal was to improve the accessibility to the two Public Rights of Ways (Footpaths 166 and 165) by:

• Widening a section of the A259 carriageway and installing a pedestrian refuge island to provide a safer crossing
• Installation of a waiting area at Footpath 165 and an improved facility crossing the roadside ditch at Footpath 166
• Existing 60mph speed limit on the A259 approaches to the pedestrian refuge to be reduced to 50mph

Public Rights of Way (Footpaths 166 and 165) Map (opens in new window)

3 - Baird's Business Park Junction

The purpose of this proposal was to enable safer access to the business park by:

• Installation of a new left-turn lane from the A259 into the business park
• Installation of two new traffic islands to protect the right turn into the business park
• Existing 60mph speed limit on the A259 approaches to the junction to be reduced to 40mph

Baird's Business Park Junction Map (opens in new window)

4 - Oystercatcher Junction

The purpose of this proposal was to address road safety concerns, reduce delays from side roads and provide better and easier access for pedestrians, cyclists, bus and car users. The existing staggered crossroads junction would be replaced with a four-arm roundabout. As a result, the following changes would need to be made:

• Realignment of B2233 Yapton Road
• Southern section of the existing B2233 Yapton Road to be retained for local access only
• Section of the existing B2233 Yapton Road to be made redundant
• Modification of existing junction to maintain entry to retained section of Yapton Road from both directions of the A259 and left turn exit only onto the A259. Pedestrians and cyclists to have priority over motor traffic when crossing the modified junction
• Modification of Climping Street entry/exit arrangement
• New south-east bound bus only lane bypassing the roundabout
• Two relocated bus stops with new shelters on the A259 east arm
• Existing access to Maidenhead Aquatics Centre (and future care homes) from the A259 would be maintained
• Realigned sections of existing NCN2 footway/cycleway
• New section of footway/cycleway to south-east of the roundabout
• Two new toucan crossings, one on A259 east arm and one on B2233 Yapton Road
• New street lighting and planting (details to be determined)
• Existing speed limits on the A259 approaches to the junction to be reduced to 40mph

In response to feedback from the 2021 consultation, the following three key changes were included in the updated proposal:

• Left turn exit only from retained section of Yapton Road to the A259
• Removal of the proposed A259 westbound bus lane
• Two new toucan crossings have been added

It should be noted that the proposal at the Oystercatcher junction would also be subject to a planning application to meet legislative requirements as part of the Planning Act 2008 as well as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Oystercatcher Map (opens in new window)

5 - Church Lane Roundabout

The purpose of this proposal was to address road safety concerns, reduce delays from side roads and provide better and easier access for pedestrians, cyclists, bus and car users. The proposal was a modification to the approved roundabout layout prepared by the developer for the land at Climping, which already has planning approval. As a result, the following changes would need to be made:

• New A259 eastbound bus only lane
• Modification of the A259/Crookthorn Lane junction to allow left turn exit only from Crookthorn Lane
• Two new toucan crossings, one on the A259 west arm and one on the realigned Church Lane
• One new pegasus crossing on the A259 east arm
• New sections of footway in Crookthorn Lane to link to St Mary’s Primary School
• Existing Church Lane would be used for walking, cycling and horse riding and site/emergency services access
• New street lighting and planting (details to be determined)
• Existing speed limits on the A259 approaches to the junction to be reduced to 40mph

In response to feedback from the 2021 consultation, the following five key changes were included in the updated proposal:

• Vehicular access to/from Crookthorn Lane to be retained
• Removal of the A259 westbound bus lane and replace with new section of footway/cycleway on south-side of the A259
• New A259 eastbound bus lane added
• Two new toucan crossings and a pegasus crossing have been added
• Improved footway provision along Crookthorn Lane

Church Lane Roundabout Map (opens in new window)

6 - Ferry Road Junction

The purpose of this proposal was to provide a safer environment for road users at this location. The proposal would result in the following changes:

• Slight realignment of Ferry Road approach to the A259 from its current position
• Three traffic islands would be installed on the A259 to the east of the realigned Ferry Road approach to protect right turn into Ferry Road and Climping Park
• Realigned section of existing NCN2 footway/cycleway
• New section of footway/cycleway to east of the realigned Ferry Road
• New toucan crossing on the A259 west arm
• Slightly relocated bus stop with shelter on the A259 west arm
• Existing speed limits to be maintained

The roundabout proposal had been dropped following feedback from the 2021 consultation and further traffic modelling assessment work.

Ferry Road Junction Map (opens in new window)

7 - Public Rights of Way (Footpath 206)

The purpose of this proposal was to improve the accessibility between the existing footpath along the A259 and the Public Rights of Way (Footpath 206) alongside River Arun by:

• Installation of a footway ramp

Public Rights of Way (Footpath 206) Map (opens in new window)

8 - Clympwick Foot and Cycle Bridge

The purpose of this proposal was to improve the accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists between the east and west sides of the River Arun by:

• Installation of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge (cable stayed) on the north/ west side of the existing Clympwick Bridge

It should be noted that the Clympwick foot and cycle bridge proposal would also be subject to a planning application to meet legislative requirements as part of the Planning Act 2008 as well as confirmation from the Secretary of State for Transport.

Clympwick Foot and Cycle Bridge Map (opens in new window)

9 - Bridge Road (Tesco) Roundabout

The purpose of this proposal was to address road safety concerns, reduce delays and provide better and easier access for pedestrians and cyclists. The proposal was in line with the approved layout prepared by the developer for the development site to the south-west of the roundabout and would involve the following changes:

• New left-turn filter lane from B2187 Bridge Road
• New section of footway/cycleway on west side of A259 south arm
• New section of footway/cycleway on west side of A259 north arm
• New sections of footway/cycleway on Broad Piece
• New toucan crossings, one on A259 north arm and one on Broad Piece
• Existing 60mph speed limit to be reduced to 40mph for the junction

Bridge Road (Tesco) Roundabout Map (opens in new window)

Speed Limit Changes

To support the nine design proposals and to provide more consistent, appropriate speed limits along the A259 corridor, the speed limits were revised based on the latest West Sussex County Council’s speed limit policy and consideration of road user hierarchy, collision patterns and existing speeds. The key changes are summarised in the following table.

It was considered appropriate to propose a 40mph speed limit on the A259 approaches and through the junctions due to the increased likelihood of conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. No changes were proposed on the side roads joining the A259, except at junctions where the proposed speed limit on the A259 is lower than the side road.

Speed Limit Changes Map (opens in new window)

Traffic Modelling

Traffic modelling assessments concluded that the upgrades to key junctions along the A259 corridor would reduce congestion, reduce transport emissions, and reduce journey times during peak periods of the day by around one minute on average. Significantly higher journey time savings are forecast for the side roads during peak periods of the day.

These savings would be especially beneficial to those accessing the A259 from side roads and villages to the north and south of the A259 corridor who currently experience significant congestion, especially during peak periods.

However, for the A259 through-movements, outside of the peak periods, journey times were forecast to increase by around one minute over the whole length of the A259 corridor between Flansham Lane and Wick roundabouts as drivers slow down to navigate the proposed roundabouts and adhere to the revised speed limits.

Overall, the benefits from the proposals significantly outweigh the forecast small journey time increase that certain road users along the A259 corridor would experience.

Environmental Impact

Environmental

The surrounding area of the scheme is mainly rural with small pockets of woodland including mature trees, hedgerows and grasslands borders. There is a tree preservation order on the belt of woodland between Oystercatcher and Church Lane roundabout. Although there are no internationally or nationally designated ecological sites within 500m of the proposed works, there are habitats present that have the potential to support protected species.

Archaeological

There are several listed buildings within 500m of the section of the A259 under consideration, all in the central section between Oystercatcher and Ferry Road junctions. The closest is a Grade II listed building 40m south of Oystercatcher junction. There is also archaeological potential around the Oystercatcher junction, associated with the land at Climping development, and around Comet Corner.

Flooding

Areas that fall within Flood Zones 2 and 3 include Comet Corner, Ferry Road and near the River Arun where the proposed foot and cycle bridge next to Clympwick Bridge would cross the River Arun.

Residential

There are residential, recreational and commercial properties that may be affected by disruption due to the construction activities. New residential developments will also be constructed at:

• The agricultural land parcel adjacent (north) of the A259 between Oystercatcher and Church Lane roundabout
• The parcel of land on the south-west of Bridge Road (Tesco) roundabout

Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles include:

• Sustainable/ active travel – improved accessibility and safety for non-motorised users, changes to road layout that prioritise buses making switching to active travel and public transport options more feasible
• Considerate construction – a Construction Environmental Management Plan would be implemented including best practice in construction management and mitigation measures.
• Sensitive landscape design – landscaping proposed to maintain ecological connectivity and visual screening
• Net gain in biodiversity – working to increase biodiversity in the local area

Environmental Surveys and Next Steps

We have conducted a heritage site visit in early March 2023 and are currently assessing the findings.

Ecology surveys to determine the presence or absence of protected species such as bats, badger, great crested newt, dormouse and reptiles and to inform the design of mitigation measures, began in January 2023 and will continue through to September (with the majority to be completed in early summer).

Planning applications for Comet Corner and the proposed Clympwick foot and cycle bridge are anticipated to be submitted in summer 2023. These would be supported by landscape designs, ecological, heritage, flood risk and arboricultural assessments.

The planning application for the proposed Clympwick foot and cycle bridge would also be accompanied by a full Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (which would consider the nearby South Downs National Park) and Water Framework Directive Screening and Scoping Assessments (which consider the impact of the bridge on the River Arun).

Oystercatcher junction would be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, for which a Scoping Report is anticipated to be submitted in summer 2023, followed by an Environmental Statement in the autumn. This would include consideration of the combined/ interacting effects of the proposal and other nearby projects such as the residential developments at the land at Climping and the land south-west of Bridge Road roundabout.

Have your Say

This consultation provided the opportunity to gather and incorporate the views of local communities, stakeholders and the travelling public in the design proposals wherever possible. It should be noted that the consultation was not a public vote for or against the scheme. There will be other formal consultation stages, including at the planning applications and traffic regulation orders, but it is considered that ongoing consultation is a vital aspect in developing a major scheme such as this.

Feedback was collected through completion of a questionnaire.

The closing date for all feedback was midnight on Sunday, 23 April 2023.

Drop-in Sessions

We held a series of in-person and online drop-in sessions where the A259 project team were available to answer your questions and provide further information. The event details were:

Thursday 23 March 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Clymping Village Hall, Crookthorn Lane, Climping, BN17 5SN

Thursday 23 March 2023, 2:00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
The Wickbourne Centre, Clun Road, Littlehampton, BN17 7DZ

Friday 24 March 2023, 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Middleton Jubilee Hall, Elmer Road, Middleton-on-Sea, Bognor Regis, PO22 6EH

Saturday 25 March 2023, 10.30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Yapton and Ford Village Hall, Main Road, Yapton, BN18 0ET

Wednesday 29 March 2023, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
MS Teams Online Event

Tuesday 18 April 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
MS Teams Online Event

Indicative Scheme Timeline

The timeline below gives an indication of the anticipated timeframes for the scheme’s preparation and decision process. They are subject to change as the scheme develops and are driven by the DfT requirements for MRN funding. The aim is to start the construction in summer 2025.

• Outline design, planning applications and Outline Business Case (OBC) development –current stage
• OBC submission – late 2023
• OBC approval by the DfT (not guaranteed) – spring 2024
• Full design and Full Business Case (FBC) development – 2024
• Tender for construction works – summer/ autumn 2024
• FBC submission – late 2024
• FBC approval by DfT – spring 2025
• Construction starts – summer 2025

Next Steps

All feedback has been reviewed and analysed following the closure of the consultation. A summary report of the 2023 consultation results can be found in the Documents widget on the right-hand side of the project page.

Alternative Formats

If you require this information in an alternative format, such as large print or Braille, please contact us on 01243 642105 or via email on A259B2L@wsp.com. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have an NGT texting app installed on your computer, laptop or smartphone, you can contact us on 018001 01243 642105.

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Accessibility Statement

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• Options Assessment Report
• 2023 Consultation Report

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2023 Consultation Results and Next Steps Statement

A summary report of the 2023 consultation results can be found in the Documents widget on the right-hand side of the project page.

The indicative next steps for this programme going forward is as follows:

• Outline Business Case (OBC) submission to the DfT – October 2023
• Full Design and Full Business Case (FBC) development – September 2023 to winter 2024 (note: to meet DfT’s funding requirement, this will start prior OBC approval and it will be stopped should the OBC fail to be approved)
• Full Design and Full Business Case (FBC) submission to the DfT – autumn 2024
• Start of construction – summer/autumn 2025 (note: this is not guaranteed as the FBC will need to be approved by the DfT)