National Highways is advising drivers travelling on the A27 and A259 in Sussex this Saturday (March 19) should plan ahead as there will be a slow-moving heavy load travelling for 41 miles.
The load will be carrying essential equipment to allow the National Grid to provide energy to homes and businesses.
It will be carried 41 miles from Shoreham Port to the National Grid’s substation near Ninfield, East Sussex.
Each load weighs over 300 tonnes and is over 70 metres long. Due to the complexity of moving equipment of this size there will be significant disruption to traffic on the A27 and A259 which has been chosen by Sussex Police as the safest route for the convoy to take across the county. They said:
"The delivery route has a considerable amount of complex manoeuvres and has been planned to minimise disruption to the public wherever possible.
"We will escort the load to ensure public safety along the route. National Highways and East Sussex Highways ensure the network is safe and suitable for the load."
Picture courtesy of Sussex Police
The A27 between the Ashcombe roundabout and the Southerham roundabout will be closed from 6am to 8pm while a temporary bridge is set up so the convoy can safely cross the River Ouse. A diversion will be in place in both directions via the A270, A259 and A26.
Example of a temporary bridge used for abnormal loads.
Below is a rough estimate of timings as it moves along the route, more details are available at www.nationalhighways.co.uk/A27-abnormal-load. Details are subject to change depending on progress.
Below is a rough estimate of timings as it moves along the route, more details are available on our website: www.nationalhighways.co.uk/A27-abnormal-load. Please note, these are subject to change depending on progress.
Time |
Location |
9am | Leave Shoreham Port, pass through Portslade to the A27 |
10.30am | Arrive at Patcham (A23/A27 junction) |
12.30pm |
On the A27 between the Ashcombe and Southerham roundabouts |
4.30pm |
Moving along the A27 between Southerham roundabout and Polegate |
5pm |
Moving along Polegate High Street before re-joining the A27, then A259 |
5.30pm |
Arrive and move through Bexhill on A259 |
6.30pm |
Moving along A269 and A2691 to arrive at Lunsford’s Cross |
7pm |
Moving along the A269 and Potmans Lane to arrive at Ninfield substation |