A259 temporary closure - update on half marathon and reopening

We’re pleased that work has started on making the area around the Royal Albion Hotel safe.

The council is meeting regularly with the contractors and we’re confident in the progress made that Sunday’s Half Marathon can take place on its originally planned route.

Reopening of A259

We’ve also been reviewing Britannia Hotels’ and their contractors’ plans for reopening the A259 outside the hotel next week.

We’ve concluded that given the position of the pedestrian island on the road outside the hotel, there is insufficient space to install a contraflow which would allow traffic in both directions.

Instead, from Monday, the two lanes on the south side of the road will be reopened to westbound traffic only. Eastbound traffic will continue to be diverted.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport, Parking and Public Realm said: “I’m pleased work has progressed enough so we can safety open the road to be used for the Brighton Half Marathon. It’s a brilliant event for the city and I want to thank the organisers for their cooperation and understanding over the last week.

“Following the half marathon, the road will be reopened to westbound traffic.

“I know this ongoing inconvenience is frustrating for residents and businesses, but until the urgent demolition work has been carried out to make the structure safe we can’t open more of the road.

“We are continuing to push Britannia Hotels and their contractors to get both carriageways reopened as quickly as possible.

“We’ve been working closely with them and Historic England and the Health & Safety Executive to ensure public safety throughout.

“I want to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their understanding and patience as we work to restore access and get movement in the city centre back to normal.”

Update: Wednesday 5 March

We are continuing to work with Britannia and their contractor to get the A259 open as soon as possible. Good progress is being made on making the structure safe and we are optimistic that the road will reopen this week. 

Once we have received the structural engineer's update tomorrow we will be able to update residents further. 

We understand the ongoing impact of this road closure and thank you for your patience as we keep the city safe.