Queensway Gateway - Junction improvements

Map of works area

Map of works area

UPDATE: 15 April 2025

Work to complete the final section of the Queensway Gateway Road development continues despite a number of technical challenges.  

Vegetation clearance on the Junction Road embankment and the remaining works on Whitworth Road has been completed. We’ve also completed streetlighting installations, landscaping, and construction of the splitter island on the A21 Sedlescombe Road North. 

To help traffic move around the area more smoothly over the easter and early May period, the temporary traffic lights will be removed from the A21. A number of road closures between Dunelm and junction of A28 have been scheduled to accommodate the removal and reinstatement of the traffic lights at the appropriate times shown below: 

  • Wednesday 16 April – Road closure 10pm-6am to remove traffic lights 
  • Monday 5 May – Road closure 10pm-6am to reinstate traffic lights to a reduced length 
  • Thursday 22 May – Road closure 10pm-6am to remove traffic lights 
  • Tuesday 27 May – Road closure midnight-6am to reinstate traffic lights  

During the two-week period where traffic signals are removed, work will continue on the Junction Road public right of way and Beauharrow Cycle Path.

Having made progress on sections of the A21, on returning to site on the 5 May, the temporary traffic signals will be in place at a reduced length, between The Ridge flyover and the southern side of Junction Road, approximately half the current length of the lane closure area.  

Works will also be returning to "The Ridge" from Monday 19 May for two weeks whilst the cycleway entrance and immediate landscaping is concluded. Temporary Traffic lights will be in place for the safety of the operatives onsite and for road users between 24hrs with manual control between 7am and 7pm to reduce disruption and keep que lengths to a minimum.

Our social media channels will provide more information as these works progress. 

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 will be 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.

Road closures, diversions and temporary traffic controls

Map showing the diversion route (Please see below for road names)

Map showing the diversion route

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.

The above dates and traffic mamagement on the highway is being continiuously reviewed to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

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.

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