Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Brighton A23 improvement project
2. Brighton roadworks June 2021
Work is set to begin on a project to enhance the A23 (London Road / Preston Road) in Brighton & Hove, focusing on the stretch between Argyle Road and Preston Drove. Approved by the Transport and Sustainability committee, the scheme aims to improve the transportation corridor, enhance safety, and create a more appealing environment. The project includes pavement widening, new cycle lanes, upgraded crossings, improved junctions, and bus stop enhancements. The initiative, expected to take 18 months, aligns with the council’s efforts to promote active and inclusive travel. Stay updated on the progress through the council’s dedicated A23 scheme webpage.
Work is set to commence in the coming weeks on a transformative scheme aimed at enhancing the A23 (London Road / Preston Road) between Argyle Road and Preston Drove in Brighton.
The approved changes, which were given the green light by the Transport and Sustainability committee last October, are geared towards making this essential transport corridor safer and more appealing for residents and visitors alike.
Close to 3000 households and businesses in the vicinity have been notified about the impending construction through informational leaflets.
Enhancements to the A23 Route
Upon completion, the scheme is expected to:
- Facilitate and promote active and inclusive travel modes such as walking, cycling, and wheeling through the introduction of new and upgraded infrastructure,
- Enhance the overall experience for individuals utilizing public transportation,
- Upgrade crucial junctions and bolster road safety measures,
- Improve access to green spaces, heritage sites, and Preston Park.
The upcoming work will encompass various elements such as pavement widening, installation of new cycle lanes, improvements to crossings, junction upgrades, and enhancements to bus stops.
The project is anticipated to span 18 months, with the council committed to minimizing disruption throughout the construction phase.
Regular updates will be provided on the council’s dedicated A23 scheme webpage to keep stakeholders informed.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:
“This is a fantastic scheme that will significantly enhance this vital route into and out of the city.
“The proposed changes will prioritize safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, improve junctions and bus stops, widen pavements, and enhance access to Preston Park.
“Our goal is to make travel around Brighton & Hove safer and more enjoyable for everyone, whether they are on foot, four wheels, or two.”
Strategic Importance
The A23 has been identified as a high-priority strategic route for enhancement in the council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), a strategic blueprint pinpointing areas in the city that require improvement.
Although the A23 forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 20, the existing cycle infrastructure on the route falls short of current national design standards for active travel.
The introduction of new and upgraded crossing facilities and pedestrian spaces will simplify and secure crossing the A23 while providing easier access to attractions on either side of the road.
Project Background
In 2020, the council secured £909,000 from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund (ATF) for the A23 Active Travel Scheme.
Funding was also sourced from developer Section 106 contributions and Brighton & Hove City Council’s Local Transport Plan fund.
A six-week public consultation was conducted on the Active Travel Fund schemes, including the A23, in 2021. Subsequent engagement with key stakeholders occurred later that year and in spring/summer of 2023.
The scheme was officially approved for construction by the council’s Transport and Sustainability committee last October.