On Monday I posted a reminder about the roadworks due to commence on Worthing Road on 19th February.
I am very grateful to all those who commented on the post and raised important questions. I have taken some of these up with SGN, WSCC and Metrobus and wanted to provide a further update.
- Duration of Roadworks
WSCC have informed me that they will be constantly monitoring the works once they commence next week and have commissioned the trial of mobile CCTV to ensure that they have ‘eyes’ on the works. WSCC also informed me that the works fall on their ‘Lane Rental Network’ which means SGN are charged £2,500 per day that they are occupying the site.
- Access to Riverside Surgery
It is really important that patients can access Riverside Surgery whilst the works are ongoing, this is particularly important for those patients who struggle with their mobility. I raised this with SGN and they have assured me that access into River Mead will be maintained at all times.
SGN have told me that as Worthing Road will be closed completely around the work site, there may be times when traffic will need to follow the diversion route to obtain access. It will be a rolling closure that moves along as the work progresses.
SGN have told me that the work will start at the junction of Blackbridge Lane, so initially people wanting to access the surgery from the town centre side will not be affected. Blackbridge Lane junction will be closed at its junction with Worthing Road for phase one of the work. Once SGN have moved sufficiently far away from the junction, they will reopen Blackbridge junction.
I would encourage those who have appointments at Riverside during this time to give themselves plenty of time to get there.
- Metrobus Services
Residents have raised concerns with me about the impact the road closure will have on bus services. It is my understanding that the road closure will specifically affect the 23, 98 and 398 services. Metrobus have told me that they will do everything they can to manage any disruption including a supervisor at Horsham bus station Monday-Saturday throughout the closure period.
Metrobus have posted information to their website, which can be found here: https://www.metrobus.co.uk/service-updates....
I would encourage those wanting to use the above services to check Metrobus’ website for up-to-date information.
- Carfax Closure
I am also aware that the roadworks that were due to take place on the Carfax have been rescheduled and will coincide with the roadworks on Worthing Road. I have contacted West Sussex County Council to raise my concerns that these roadworks will be taking place at the same time and the further disruption this will cause to the town.
I understand the Carfax will be closed from 29th February to 10th March.
Clearly, the closure of the Carfax will impact on further bus services, these being the 23, 51, 61, 65, 93, 98, 200 and 398. Again I would encourage those wanting to use any of these services to check Metrobus’ website: https://www.metrobus.co.uk/service-updates....
- Other roadworks in the town
It has also been brought to my attention that there are other roadworks planned for in the town at the same time as the Worthing Road closure. I am particularly concerned about roadworks planned for Guildford Road which will form a major part of the diversion route.
It is up to WSCC to approve and plan roadworks and I am concerned that they have not thought through the implications of the closure of Worthing Road and other roadworks in the town.
As soon as I heard of this and other issues I raised it with the WSCC – they absolutely have an obligation to keep Horsham moving and I know they will be monitoring as will others.
- Contact me
It is clearly going to be a very disruptive time and I am going to be keeping in touch with SGN and WSCC to ensure the works are completed to the agreed timeline.
If residents face specific challenges as a result of the roadworks and feel that it would be helpful for me to raise points directly with any involved organisation then please do email me on jeremy.quin.mp@parliament.uk