Update: 29 September 2025
The junction linking the new Queensway Gateway Road to the A21 is set to open to traffic tomorrow (Tuesday 30 September).
Designed to improve traffic flow and transport links between Bexhill and Hastings, this has been a significant and complex project that has faced a number of technical challenges.
Since taking on the final phase of the project, we’ve carried out remedial work along Whitworth Road, installed new drainage and gullies, as well as a new traffic island and signals. Before work on the necessary relocation of a water main could begin, 3,000 cubic metres of earth – enough to fill eight standard swimming pools – had to be removed from an embankment.
The new junction includes adaptive traffic signals designed to adjust signal timings based on the current traffic conditions. These signals may take some time to fully adapt, and they will be closely monitored and checked during this period to ensure they are working as intended.
In addition to the junction itself, a new public right of way and cycle path have been created. Improvements were also made to the A21 Sedlescombe Road North with the installation of new traffic signals.
Some overnight work will still be required to complete minor tasks, and further details will be shared with the public once confirmed.
With the opening of the new road to traffic, temporary traffic restrictions on Whitworth Road and Maplehurst Road will be lifted and the new double yellow lines on Whitworth Road will become enforceable, so parking will not be allowed.
We appreciate that the project has caused some disruption and apologise for any inconvenience. Now that the road is open, we hope local people will soon begin to experience the benefits these improvements bring to 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.