Press release

Public exhibition for new footbridge to improve safety on the A27 in Chichester

Drivers, business owners and local residents are invited to find out more about plans to install a new footbridge in Chichester at a public exhibition next week.

A computer graphic showing the bridge design over the A27

The new footbridge has been announced by the Highways Agency and will be installed next to the Whyke roundabout near Kingsham.

Ahead of work starting, a public exhibition will be held at the Guide Hall in Chichester between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday 20 January, where members of the Highways Agency project team in charge of the work will be on hand to answer any questions that drivers and resident may have. Highways Agency Asset Manager Peter Phillips said:

Safety is a top priority for the Highways Agency and by installing this footbridge we will be providing pedestrians with a safe way to cross the busy A27. This is great news for drivers and local residents and I advise anyone who would like to know more about the bridge or roadworks to come and speak to us at the exhibition.

Chichester Free School’s Principal Guy Martyn said:

This is a very important development for Chichester and will be an incredibly valuable community access route for our new School site at the Carmelite Convent. Many of our pupils wish to travel to School by sustainable means and this footbridge makes pedestrian and cycle access to the Convent site possible.

As a cycling commuter myself I am very excited about the healthy travel opportunities the new footbridge offers to our pupils and all those who wish to use this great link between those rural communities south of the A27 and Chichester itself.

The work will be carried out using narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit on both carriageways of the A27, with some off peak lane closures. Some of the footpaths may be temporarily diverted.

Full closures of the A27 will be required when the bridge is lifted into place, which will be carried out overnight with a clearly signed diversion through Chichester. This is expected towards the end of the scheme and will be publicised in advance.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 14 January 2015