Map of works area and diversion route
Update: 22 September 2026
Thank you for your patience while these essential repairs continue.
For everyone's safety, please do not enter the work site. Despite the road closure signage, barriers and fencing in place, a small number of people have recently accessed the area. This remains an active construction site, and entering it could put individuals at risk of serious injury. CCTV is in operation to help keep the site secure.
As part of the works, material containing asbestos has been identified within the construction area. Specialist contractors will be carrying out its safe removal before work can continue.
Once this has been completed, the next stage of the project will involve substantial excavation works across the road. These excavations will be very deep and, together with the construction activity taking place on site, mean it is essential that access restrictions remain in place for everyone's safety.
Due to the narrow nature of the lane, the lack of footways and the absence of a safe route around the works area, it is not possible to maintain access through the site for pedestrians or cyclists. We therefore ask that all road users continue to use alternative routes and avoid entering the work area.
We will provide a further update, including details of the remaining programme of works, once the asbestos removal has been completed and the project has been reviewed.
Update: 14 July 2026
We’ll soon be carrying out repairs to the collapsed culvert on Hamsey Road, Barcombe.
The works will start on Monday 27 July 2026 and continue for approximately 10 weeks.
The works involve removing the damaged culvert, installing a new pipe, building new drainage features, and restoring the road and surrounding area when the work is finished. These repairs will help improve drainage, make the road safer for everyone who uses it, reduce the risk of future problems, and protect this section of the highway for years to come.
We will be working under the existing road closure. For safety, access to properties within the works area will be limited and managed during our working hours. If you need access, please speak to the team on site. This is for properties with direct access within the closure area only and there will be no through route.
Hamsey Road has recently been closed due to a collapsed culvert causing a large void in the carriageway. The road must remain closed for the safety of all road users.
As shared on social media, the road was closed on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to make the area safe. Regrettably, the repair in this location will be no easy fix as it’s likely that a new culvert and supporting headwall will be required.
We’re currently in the process of reviewing available budgets and formulating a plan of action, including a construction delivery programme, so repairs can be made and the road re-opened.
We’re working on a solution by designing and installing a new culvert. This requires a detailed design to be produced, including structural design of the new culvert and headwalls supporting the road, as well as water flow assessments to ensure the right size of culvert is provided to minimise the risk of similar issues occurring in future.
More information will be provided to you as progress is made and a date for construction has been confirmed. Please be rest assured that we are working to expedite a work programme so repairs can be carried out as soon as possible.
While the road remains closed, a diversion route is in place using Cooksbridge Road, Deadmantree Hill, A275, The Drove, North End Lane, Hamsey Lane and vice versa. This route has been designed to avoid the bridge on Church Road as this is weight restricted to 7.5 tonnes, meaning it is not suitable for HGVs and should not be loaded with excessive traffic. Please see the map for the diversion information.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience this matter may cause.
Should you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact us at eshcomms@balfourbeatty.com.
Please let us know how we did by leaving feedback. Please note you will be redirected to the East Sussex County Council consultation website.
One.Network Permit reference - EA004176058-01