Update: 16 October 2025
Following the opening of the new Queensway Gateway Road junction, some final construction activities are required to complete the remaining sections. These works are essential to ensure overall compliance with safety and accessibility standards.
To minimise disruption, the remaining works will be carried out during overnight closures of the A21 Sedlescombe Road North on the following dates:
- Thursday 16 – Monday 20 October 8pm-6am
- Saturday 25 – Wednesday 29 October 8pm-6am
- Saturday 1 – Monday 3 November 8pm-6am
Please be aware - The A21 will remain open until 10pm on Saturday 18 October to minimise disruption for the bonfire event.
During these closures, we’ll be installing new signage, reinstating the embankment, and applying markings to the cycleways.
Please plan your journeys accordingly and follow signed diversion routes during these times
We appreciate your patience and cooperation. For further updates, please check back on this page or follow our social media channels.
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.