A259 walking, cycling and accessibility improvements ready for construction

Councillors will next week be asked to approve the construction of walking, cycling and accessibility improvements to part of the A259 between Fourth Avenue and Wharf Road.

The scheme will make cycling along the seafront safer, significantly increase the number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders, create additional space for pedestrians and improve accessibility.

Members of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee will discuss a report on Tuesday 20 September which recommends work can begin and agrees that objections to the scheme have been suitably addressed.

If approve, work is scheduled to begin in the early part of 2023.

The changes in the detailed design include.

• Reallocation of one lane of traffic to extend the westbound cycle lane, separating cyclists from motor vehicles from Fourth Avenue to Wharf Road.
• Removal of the bus stop at Langdale Gardens 
• Introduction of a Bus Boarder Hybrid Solution at bus stops along the route.
• Improve visibility sight lines for pedestrians exiting from side access road by West Hove Lawns. 
• Increase of 26 parking spaces for Blue Badge Holders. 
• Provision of around 70 cycle parking spaces, 10% of which will provide for specially adapted bicycles. 
• Additional pedestrian space, including potential for outside seating along Victoria Terrace of around 100 square metres. 
• Raised Table junctions on Medina Terrace, Sussex Road and King’s Esplanade to improve pedestrian access. 
• Dropped Kerbs to assist wheelchair users, mobility scooter, pushchairs and all pedestrians. 
• Three new loading bays in Victoria Terraces and the Kings Esplanade

Extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders 

The A259 scheme first went out to public consultation in February 2021. After further design and after a request for a second public consultation, this was conducted between November 2021 and January of this year. 

Designs were developed further and the scheme was approved at ETS committee in March.

The planned changes to the Public Highway were then advertised through the Traffic Regulation Order process which gave residents and stakeholders a third opportunity to provide feedback. Details of this feedback can be found in the report. 

Improvements for everyone

Councillor Steve Davis, Co-Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee said: “A lot of consultation and work has gone into this scheme and I’m pleased we’re now at the stage where we can begin construction.

“I’m excited to see the extension of the seafront cycle lane, but also very happy we’ve been able to increase the number of spaces for Blue Badge holders and make life easier for those with wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs with some much needed accessibility improvements.

“Our seafront is an iconic feature of our city and a place everyone should be able to enjoy and travel along safely.”