Reducing congestion and improving accessibility for all users

A27 East of Lewes

The A27 to the east of Lewes suffers from congestion due to the narrow carriageway and low capacity at junctions. There are limited overtaking opportunities, meaning that traffic regularly queues behind cyclists and other slow-moving vehicles. Our roads team are undertaking the detailed design of new junctions, carriageway widening and a new 12km length of improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

The aim of this scheme is to address safety, capacity, sustainability and accessibility issues on this stretch of the A27. The scheme junctions designs utilise the latest technologies including microprocessor optimised vehicle actuation (MOVA) and split cycle offset optimisation technique (SCOOT) traffic signal control, passive safety, and low power LED systems. Our design teams managed the proposals through the design stages and liaised with the stakeholders for input.

The design deliverables incorporate building information modelling (BIM) designs; this included production of 3D CAD design models to assist with visualisation and improve efficiency of clash checking infrastructure across disciplines.

Working collaboratively throughout the design, we have secured technical approval to the detailed design from Highways England. Our detailed design included roads, bridges, civil structures, geotechnical and environmental services. Going forward, we’ll be involved in the works construction and testing to ensure that all standards and requirements are met. At all these stages, we actively manage risks and record lessons learned to ensure these are fed back into the wider design team to drive efficiencies. Opened in June 2023, these new junction improvements will make crossing the A27 much easier for pedestrians and cyclists, providing safer roads, reducing travel time and improving journey time reliability along the A27.