Update: 28 August 2025
In order to reduce disruption as far as possible, we will remove temporary traffic lights from the A21 Sedlescombe Road North between the hours of 6am and 8pm, starting on Monday (1 September) to allow traffic to flow in both directions as normal.
The overnight closures, between 8pm and 6am, will continue while we complete the work.
We’re acutely aware of the disruption this major project has caused, and we are very grateful for everyone’s patience. We hope removal of daytime restrictions on the A21 Sedlescombe Road North will make many people’s daytime journeys easier, especially with the start of the new school term.
We also want to reduce as far as possible any overlapping impact with traffic restrictions on A2100 Battle Hill, which will be introduced by Southern Gas Networks from 1 September. These essential and long-scheduled upgrade works will take six weeks during this summer/early autumn period, when gas demand is low. If they were further delayed, they could take up to 12 weeks because of higher pressure in the system as it rises with household demand in colder weather.
Summary of activities:
- From Monday 1 September: Traffic restrictions will be removed from the A21 Sedlescombe Road North between 6am and 8pm daily. Work will continue outside these hours.
- From Monday 1 September: Southern Gas Networks will begin gas main works on Battle Hill, lasting six weeks.
- Queensway Gateway Road will be completed in September.
We apologise again for the delays people are experiencing on the A21 and thank everyone for their patience. The new road junction is at last almost complete, and it will bring significant benefits to our communities including better connections between Hastings and Bexhill and support for new jobs in the area.
East Sussex County Council working in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places, will be carrying out major highway improvement works to connect Queensway Gateway to the A21 Sedlescombe Road North, via Whitworth Road.
What are we doing?
From the 2 September 2024, Junction Road was permanently closed to road traffic and turned into a public right of way and cyclepath. By transforming this road into a right of way it is intended this will help alleviate the congestion along the Ridge, particularly around the entrance of Junction Road.
In addition, the two sections of Whitworth Road will be connected, enabling traffic to travel directly from Queensway to the A21 Sedlescombe North.
Works will also involve major improvements to the A21 Sedlescombe North,with new traffic signals being installed and to improve both turns into the A21.
Please see the below drawing of the completed junction set up.
Drawing of completed A21 signalised junction
Please be aware: Maplehurst Road will be accessible for emergency vehicles and residents only during these works. Access for residents of Maplehurst Road, Maplehurst Close and Maple Heights will be available via The Ridge ONLY.
To ensure unimpeded blue light access to the Conquest Hospital from both directions, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be in place at the junction of the A21 Sedlescombe Road North and Maplehurst Road to ensure this is not being used as a through route. If any non emergency vehicles are noted to be entering this junction this will be reported to Sussex Police via Operation Crackdown.
Local Businesses: All businesses along Whitworth Road will remain open as usual, and our team on site will be able to assist with any access concerns.
Accessibility: There will be no impact or changes to footway crossing points.
Parking: Where required, we will put out ‘no parking’ signs and cones to advise where parking is restricted. Please do not park in these locations as it will cause delays to the works.
Public transport: Buses will be diverted via Harrow Lane. No bus stops will be affected.
Weather: All of these works are subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.
We understand these works can be disruptive and noisy, however, we will endevour to use noise and vibration reduction methods and plant where possible and monitor noise levels
We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption this work may cause, and to thank the local community for its continued patience.
Should you have any concerns regarding these works, please do not hesitate to contact us on queenswaygateway@balfourbeatty.com or call us 24/7 on 0345 60 80 193. Please be aware, once these works are completed, this email address will be closed.
Please let us know how we did by leaving feedback. Please note you will be redirected to the East Sussex County Council consultation website.