New Controversial A27 Arundel Bypass Route Announced (Thursday 15)

Highways England have announced the new bypass for Arundel on the A27 this morning (Thursday 15).

The new preferred route is the grey option 5BV1, which was put forward at last year's further consultation.

The A27 Arundel Bypass Neighbourhood Committee have previously said the options would devastate Arundel, surrounding villages, countryside and the South Downs national Park.

The 'Save Our Villages' campaign claim any bypass threatens rural heritage:

"From west to east, village community lives and wildlife habitats of Walberton, Binsted and Tortington would be wrecked by these schemes.  

"The longest routes, Amber, Magenta and Grey, are the most damaging to the Villages."

The company said it strikes the right balance between creating vital new road capacity and protecting the special environment and cultural heritage in and around Arundel.

The A27 at Arundel sees around 21,000 journeys made each day.

In a statement, Highways England said:

"The plans include a new five-mile dual carriageway which will draw traffic away from Arundel and reduce rat-running on minor roads through the national park.

"Highways England have been working hard on the plans, taking into account feedback received from the public and other stakeholders, over the last 12 months.

"The new bypass will complete a missing link in the A27, the only major east to west route south of the M25, and avoids the South Downs national park completely."

Arundel and South Downs MP Adrew Griffith said:

“The A27 Arundel bypass is a much-needed project which I support. It will reduce congestion, enhance air quality, improve road safety and support much needed employment and economic growth.

"This is one of the largest Government investments ever made in West Sussex and I am pleased to have worked with the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chancellor to secure the necessary support for Highways England to proceed.”

However, on the impact on residents of Walberton, Binsted and Tortington, Andrew added:

“It is very disappointing that the alternative routes which would have had far less impact on the residents of Walberton, Binsted and Tortington were blocked by certain areas having protected status and by the failure of the South Downs National Park to endorse any route within its boundary.

"I am committed to supporting residents in getting the best noise mitigation, road design and, where appropriate, swift compensation although nothing can ease the pain on those whom it most affects.”

Finally, in response to potential opponents of road building, Andrew said:

“Some question whether we need to improve our roads at all.

"Whilst I support a rapid switch to cleaner and quieter vehicles - and the UK is a leader in this respect - they will still need roads to drive upon and there is nothing environmentally friendly about pollution caused by congestion.

"The current pandemic highlights the importance of supply chains and whilst long distance commuting has declined, the usage of local roads has if anything increased.”

[The existing A27 Crossbush junction at Arundel is the start of regular east-west congestion through Arundel]

Highways England Chief Executive Jim O’Sullivan said: 

“The A27 is the only strategic east west route south of the M25. This new road removes the traffic from the centre of Arundel and provides faster more reliable journey times for users of this important road.  

“We will continue to work with communities and local groups to further develop the project’s design, so we can deliver a scheme that has as little impact as possible on the special environment and local people in and around Arundel.” 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: 

“As a Government, we’re committed to improve transport infrastructure across the country. Today’s announcement is an important one, with another step being taken to delivering benefits in the region through what is now a long-overdue scheme.”

Six options were put to the public for views between August and October last year, and today’s announcement considers feedback made during the further consultation and further review periods.

There has been no response from the A27 Arundel Bypass Neighbourhood Committee to the most recent announcement (Thursday 15).