Wednesday, 20 June 2012 12:48

Main construction work on a multi-million pound scheme to improve journeys on one of the South East’s most important roads will begin on Monday 2 July, road minister Mike Penning announced today.

The A23 in West Sussex between Handcross and Warninglid – just south of Gatwick Airport and on the main road between London and Brighton – will be widened to three lanes in each direction.

This project is one of 14 major improvement schemes, worth £1.4bn, that the Highways Agency will start work on before 2015 subject to statutory processes. Together, they will deliver billions of pounds worth of economic benefits, improving safety and journey times on the country's major roads.

The A23 project team are already on course to save an estimated 23 per cent for taxpayers against previous estimates.

The Minister visited the site this morning ahead of public exhibitions this weekend when local people can find out more about the project and what it will mean for them.

Road Minister Mike Penning said:

“Despite these tough times, the Government is investing in transport infrastructure to help the economy grow, while successfully to delivering more for less. The improvements being made here will tackle congestion that affects drivers on the A23 every day. The savings the Highways Agency has negotiated means the scheme will deliver an estimated £8 worth of benefits for the UK for every £1 we’re investing.

“There will be real safety benefits too – by straightening out the road and improving the junctions the scheme will reduce the number of severe accidents that have come to blight this section of the road network. The savings have been achieved without sacrificing the project’s environmental credentials.”

Advance environmental work has been underway on the site since April 2011 and last October site clearance and tree felling began. Main civil engineering work will start on 2 July and will involve narrow lanes and a temporary 40mph speed limit on the A23 between the Handcross and Warninglid junctions. These restrictions will be installed during six overnight closures, starting on Thursday 28 June.

The Highways Agency is hosting public exhibitions this weekend (Friday 22 and Saturday 23 June) at nearby Handcross Village Hall. Timings are:

• Friday 22 June 2012 - 2pm to 8pm
• Saturday 23 June 2012 - 10am to 4pm

More information is also available on the Highways Agency Website.