A23 active travel improvements complete

Improvements to a key transport corridor in Brighton & Hove are now complete.

The work on the A23 (London Road and Preston Road) between Argyle Road and Preston Drove has now finished, making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel through.

We’ve also upgraded key junctions and bus stops, and improved access to Preston Park, nearby sports facilities, attractions and green spaces.

Funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund, developer contributions and the council’s Local Transport Plan budget, the work has been completed ahead of schedule.

Image: New junction layout at Preston Road and Stanford Avenue

Improving travel for everyone

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure said, “I’m so pleased to see this work finished, and ahead of schedule.

“The changes have made it easier for people to cycle and walk through this busy part of the city while better junctions and wider pavements have made it safer for all road users, including bus passengers.

“Making our roads and pavements safer means we’re giving people more options to travel actively and sustainably.

Image: A cyclist and car using the new road layout

Key features

• Upgraded cycle lane, separated from the road in both directions, forming part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 20, between Brighton and Pyecombe
• New controlled pedestrian crossings, upgraded pedestrian islands, safer junctions
• Better and safer access to Preston Park, Withdean Park and Patcham Peace Gardens, sport and leisure facilities at Withdean Sports Complex and Preston Manor and Gardens.

Image: New cycle lane, part of the National Cycle Network

Other improvements

• Contractors Edburtons have donated manpower, machinery, aggregate and fencing for the Pétanque court in Preston Park. (share link when story published)
• We’ve installed additional cycle racks at the Standford Avenue junction and another at Rockery Gardens.
• The north entrance to Preston Park has been resurfaced
• We’ve installed a new tree pit on the park side of the A23 ready for a new tree in the autumn

Image: A new 'floating' bus stop

New layout

The improvements have seen new ‘floating’ bus stops installed along the A23 next to the cycle lane.

Councillor Muten added “Floating bus stops are common across the country but relatively new to most parts of Brighton & Hove so it’s important cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers make themselves aware of the new layout, crossings and road markings.

“We want everyone to enjoy the new spaces and improvements safely.”