Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this work required?
This section of Tarring Road has been identified as benefiting from improvements as part of Worthing and Adur LCWIP which has previously been the subject of separate consultation.
To provide a safer pedestrian crossing and make the existing walking route more attractive around West Worthing Railway Station. The location already has a high number of pedestrians crossing the road despite the poor environment and a history of pedestrians being injured trying to cross the road.
Encouragement for users to walk to the railway station as part of their regular commute. This area is identified a secondary walking route in Worthing and the proposed footway widening offers wider environmental improvements to walking in the location.
This location is in close proximity to an existing level crossing and the main north-south pedestrian route to cross the railway. Pedestrian surveys carried out indicate 85 children cross at this location. This crossing is within 1 km of 5 primary schools and indications are this will be part of the walking route to some of the pupils to these schools.
What will the benefits be if the scheme goes ahead?
Improved formalised crossing point will significantly help pedestrians cross Tarring Road to West Worthing Station and the wider area.
What will be the impact on parking?
The signalised crossing is being constructed within the area which is currently restricted by Double Yellow Line markings. The controlled parking bay on the south side of Tarring Road is proposed to be extended across Run/The Denture Shop. All other controlled parking areas will remain unaffected.
White Access Protection Markings will be marked across driveways/accesses on Valencia Road.
Will parking be impacted on Valencia Road?
We are not proposing removal of parking on Valencia Road. The propose contra-flow cycling facility has been dropped from the scheme.
How will this redesign impact on the traffic light cycle to travel east-west and north-south over the train barriered, traffic light operated crossing?
In everyday use the proposed pedestrian crossing will have little to no adverse effect on the signalised junction across the rail line when it is also dealing with the train barriers being in use. The new crossing will be linked to the existing junction to ensure that, when the rail gates are open and traffic moving south and east, the new crossing will not activate to enable the heavy volumes to clear. This will also allow traffic flowing west to clear the crossing and into/through the junction. When the rail gates are not activated the new crossing will work to allow pedestrians to cross safely with minimal impact on the junction flow. Both the existing junction, and the proposed crossing will be remotely monitored so that any issue that may arise can be dealt with, further helping to mitigate any increase in waiting times.
Will the large evergreen tree at the north-end of Valencia Road be retained?
We are not proposing to remove any trees as part of these works.
Where can I see the plans?
The proposed designs are available to view on this engagement page.
Hard copies of the plans will be available to view at Worthing Library for the duration of the consultation.
What disruption can residents expect during construction of the crossing?
The phasing and specific details of the temporary traffic management will be determined once the decision to proceed has been made. Some delays are to be expected to ensure the site is safe to pass through. An outline of the likely temporary traffic management is described below:-
As part of the works carriageway and pavement space will be restricted to construct the buildouts. Temporary traffic signals will be required on Tarring Road when the service ducts crossing the road and resurfacing works are being carried out. This element is likely to be carried out overnight.
There will need to be a closure of Valencia Road at the junction of Tarring Road which will cause some disruption for residents in Valencia Road. The one-way will be temporarily suspended and two-way access permitted. To manage this movement access protection marks will be provided at every access to improve give/take opportunities within the road.
When will this work take place and how long will it take?
The scheduling of the proposed works is subject to the outcome from the formal “Traffic Notice” which will follow this consultation. However, we are currently proposing to deliver the scheme in the first half of 2025. The duration of the proposed works is estimated to be between 6 and 8 weeks.
How much will the scheme cost and who is paying for it?
The improvements are estimated to cost around £250,000. The scheme is being funded by Active Travel England, which is an executive agency set up by central government with responsibility for improving walking, wheeling and cycling routes in the UK.
What are the next steps?
We will carefully consider all comments received during the consultation. Feedback received will inform the detailed design for the scheme. We will document this process and publish the results in a consultation report.
Why is this money not being spent on carriageway maintenance?
As an Active Travel scheme, this proposed work would be funded by central government capital funding and therefore it would have no impact on current carriageway maintenance budgets in West Sussex. Funding from Active Travel England is specifically allocated to schemes that improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes in England, and West Sussex County Council is not permitted to spend this money on maintenance measures such as pothole repairs. However, carriageway and footway conditions around the scheme area will be assessed at the time of any works taking place, with any defects referred on to West Sussex County Council’s highway maintenance teams for repair.
Will access to nearby properties be affected while the work takes place?
Access to properties will be maintained throughout the duration of the proposed works.
Will the proposed works impact flooding of the area?
The proposed works will involve installation of additional gullies to sufficiently drain the highway and ensure that the improvements do not create a flooding issue.
How will this project impact on climate?
The proposed project will support WSCC's climate pledge to reduce carbon emissions, by making active travel modes more attractive and thereby shifting journeys from modes of transport with higher carbon emissions.
Will there be any opportunity to provide “green” infrastructure as part of the works?
We are considering the provision of a new tree on the north side of the road as part of the scheme. Planting the tree will depend on cost and further technical assessments.
Why does this work have to take place?
The scheme forms part of West Sussex County Council’s Phase 4 Active Travel Fund (ATF) programme of works. The proposed crossing location, on Tarring Road, had been identified as a site where pedestrians frequently seek to cross the carriageway to access West Worthing train Station. A pedestrian survey undertaken during September 2023 identified more than 800 people crossing Tarring Road for a 100m section outside of West Worthing station. The existing carriageway width at this location measures 13.8 metres, with a crossing time of 12 seconds. Traffic surveys undertaken assessed the gaps in traffic flow between 5 and 11 seconds. This data suggests there is not enough time for pedestrians to cross using natural gaps in the traffic. This issue is exacerbated for people with disabilities who may need longer to cross. This location also has been identified as a site involving a number of collisions with pedestrians including a fatal in 2009.
What work has to be done?
Building out the footway on both sides of Tarring Road and associated footway and drainage works together with changes to signing. New signalised puffin crossing, including associated ducting. Resurfacing of the carriageway on the approach to the signals.
What will the benefits be once it is finished?
The new crossing will provide a safer environment for pedestrians to walk and cross the road near West Worthing Railway Station.
Will any roads have to be closed during the works?
Valencia Road will need to be temporarily closed off during construction to manage pedestrian safety around the works. The one way operating in Valencia Road will be temporarily suspended and revert to two way. During some of the works, such as resurfacing and road marking, temporary traffic signals will be in operation and cause some delays.
What time of day will the work take place?
Where possible, works will take place Mondays to Fridays between 07.30 and 17.30. The majority of resurfacing and roadmarking work will be carried out overnight.
The road is still closed but there is no work being carried out?
It will be necessary for Valencia Road to be closed for the duration of the works as turning traffic cannot be safely accommodated during the construction period.
What disruption can residents expect?
The main disruption will be the closure of Valencia Road at its junction with Rugby Road. The one way is being suspended and reverted to two way access from Rugby Road.
What disruption can motorists or bus passengers expect?
When temporary traffic signals are in place there will inevitably be some delays to traffic. The signals will be turned off wherever feasible to minimise the disruption.
What disruption can pedestrians and cyclists expect?
There will be some disruption to pedestrian and cycle access. This will be maintained and managed around the works
I have off-street parking, will I still be able to use it?
Off street access will be maintained during the works.
Will any diversion routes for traffic have to be put in place?
Valencia Road will be closed at the northern end and the one way suspended to allow 2 way traffic from Rugby Road.
Will emergency services be affected by this work?
All emergency services will be informed of the works and access for emergency services will be maintained.
Could weather impact the proposed works?
Weather conditions may have an impact on the delivery of the scheme and some delays may be caused by serious weather incidents
What is the Active Travel Fund?
The Active Travel Fund is funding allocated by Active Travel England to local highway authorities in England to provide new and improved active travel infrastructure. You can read more about the county council’s Active Travel Fund programme at https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-andtravel/travel-and-public-transport/travelwise-sustainabletransport/active-travel-project/ . Active Travel England is the government’s executive agency responsible for making walking, wheeling and cycling the preferred choice for everyone to get around in England. You can find out more at www.activetravelengland.gov.uk.
How do I report a fault or problem on the highway?
The most effective way to report a fault or problem on the highway is to use our online reporting application with multiple options.
For further information, please visit - Make an enquiry or report a problem with a road or pavement via the West Sussex Council website.
If you have any queries on the day regarding how the works are being carried out near you, then please feel free to ask to speak to the on-site Site Supervisor who is normally best placed to address your concerns.
However, if you would prefer to speak to someone about how or why the works are being carried out then please contact us via the West Sussex County Council Contact Centre on 01243 642105
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