Closure of A27 at Arundel Railway Bridge

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has called on the Highways Agency to review their plans to close the Arundel Railway Bridge while refurbishment work is carried out during the autumn.

 

The bridge, on the A27, will be closed for five weekends between September and November.  The closure will cause significant disruption for residents, tourists and local traders.

In a letter to Chief Executive Archie Robertson, Mr Herbert has asked that the Highways Agency give "serious consideration" to suggestions put forward by the Arundel Chamber of Commerce to minimise the disruption, namely:

  • Postpone the work until January, the quietest period for trade in Arundel;

  • Keeping one lane open while work is carried out;
  • Installing a ‘Bailey bridge';
  • Temporary suspension of car parking in Ford Road, and
  • The display of prominent notices at all entrances to Arundel to inform people that it is ‘business as usual' in the town.

The bridge will be closed to traffic between The Causeway roundabout and the junction with Crossbush Lane during the following weekends: 12-15 September, 26-29 September, 10-13 October, 17-20 October and 31 October to 3 November.

The work will consist of road resurfacing, brickwork repairs and the renewal of waterproofing on the bridge.  Diversions will be in place while the work is carried out.

Nick Herbert commented: "The closure of the Arundel Railway Bridge, at this time of the year in particular, is likely to cause considerable disruption and local traders are deeply concerned about the threat to their livelihoods at a time of wider economic uncertainty."

Mr Herbert added: "I have written to the Highways Agency to pass on the concerns of local traders and asked them to give serious consideration to the suggestions for reducing the impact of the refurbishment work.  I have already raised this matter with the Agency and will seek an urgent meeting if I do not have a satisfactory reply."

Ends

 

Notes for Editors

1. The news release, issued by the Highways Agency to announce the closures, can be viewed at http://www.highways.gov.uk/news/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=163059

2. For the website of the Arundel Chamber of Commerce, visit http://www.arundel.org.uk/arundelcc/.

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