West Sussex Highways prepared for winter weather

West Sussex County Council’s (WSCC) highways team have spent the first six months of this financial year delivering essential works to strengthen the resilience of the county’s road network ahead of the winter season. These efforts aim to keep West Sussex moving - whatever the weather brings.

While repairing safety defects such as potholes remains a key focus, preparing the highways network for winter weather has been a top priority. Between 1 April and 30 September 2025, the team has:

• Completed 164.6 miles of surfacing and large-scale patching
• Delivered 8 large scale and 25 small scale capital drainage schemes
• Repaired 13,977 potholes using both ‘sawn and sealed’ and ‘spray injection’ patching methods
• Reduced the average time between receiving a report of a pothole and carrying out the repair to 12 days
• Cleansed 45,793 drainage gullies
• Carried out 250 drainage jetting jobs and 491 iron work replacement or reset works

Read more here

New transport proposals aim to ease congestion and improve safety in Horsham

WSCC is inviting feedback on proposals to improve two key routes in Horsham, aiming to make everyday journeys safer, quicker and more sustainable.  

The proposals focus on Rusper Road (between the town centre and Mowbray) and Guildford Road (between the town centre and Broadbridge Heath), both vital routes for accessing schools, workplaces and local services.

Find out more here

Consultation on proposed new bus service for Chichester city centre

West Sussex County Council is considering proposals to introduce a new subsidised service for Chichester city centre.

Under the proposals, the existing 46/47 service from Parklands and the 50 service from Graylingwell would be combined into one higher frequency bus route into Chichester city centre. The new service would also be extended to Minerva Heights, providing improved connections for new residential communities in the west of Chichester and Graylingwell.

The initiative, partly funded by the development at Minerva Heights, aims to ensure bus services remain sustainable in the longer term, while helping to reduce congestion in Chichester city centre.

For most passengers, the proposed changes would mean a more reliable and accessible service. However, some passengers, particularly in Parklands, may face reduced frequency or longer walks to alternative stops.

Find out more and complete the survey here

Winter Cycling Tips

Keep warm Thin layers are best, ideally with thermals, warm socks and gloves.  An under-helmet hat is a good idea….

Wear Hi-Vis With lower daylight levels, bright or light-coloured clothing, or ideally high vis, is useful to be more visible.

Get a grip Tyres should normally be pumped up to be as hard as an apple, but when it’s colder they are better a little bit softer to increase grip. Use Lights  Putting your lights on during the day when it’s dull or cloudy helps you be more easily seen, and of course it’s essential at night.  Rechargeable lights are well worth it and you can charge up easily.

Go slow and pedal carefully  Going slower enables you to see more and avoid hazards such as icy patches. Pedals can also be slippery when it’s wet, so pedalling carefully is important.

Consider Road positioning

The gutter is where the slush and ice accumulates, and driving by the kerb is not recommended in any weather. Cyclists are advised to ride in the primary (‘follow-me’) position or the secondary (‘pass me’) position.   

Revisit your route  & keep an eye on weather

You may need to replan your route if for example the roads are unlit, or don’t get gritted.  And if the weather is really bad you may need to pick a different mode of transport. 

Ash Dieback

Pictures show works in progress, a large ash tree suffering from ash dieback disease – removed from the side of the highway and the significant internal decay from the diseased tree.

WSCC are now into the felling season and ash dieback tree removal works are underway. 

Scheduled works will be taking place at the following locations:

• A264 Five Oaks
• A22 Lewes Road, East Grinstead
• A2037 Henfield / Small Dole

Traffic management will be in place whilst we undertake essential works to the ash trees positioned along the highways edge that have succumbed to ash dieback disease. Natural regeneration will take place over the coming year.

Private landowners should look to have:

• any remedial works to ash trees undertaken during the winter months,
• check for tree preservation orders,
• check for conservation areas
• check whether there is a requirement for a felling licence. 

For more information on ash dieback visit our webpage @ Ash dieback - West Sussex County Council

Extra guidance for homeowners and those with ash trees on their land is available @ https://treecouncil.org.uk/science-and-research/ash-dieback/public-guidance/

Natural regeneration after tree works have been completed

Planned Delivery Scheme Updates

Key local pedestrian route restored at White Bridge

The White Bridge Link, (closed in August 2023 and has now been re-opened), is a vital pedestrian route used by walkers and cyclists to cross the River Adur connecting the local communities of Steyning, Upper Beeding and Bramber.

The White Bridge is owned by WSCC and is a public right of way. It was originally built in 1903 but closed in August 2023 after a structural inspection found it to be in poor condition and beyond economic repair. Following the inspection, work began in early 2024 to design and fund a new footbridge. This development was done in conjunction with the Environment Agency, Southern Gas Network, The White Bridge Link Project, Parish Councils and the landowners.  

Works to reopen the link began in mid-May 2025, diverting the gas main under the River Adur before removing the old bridge. A new foundation and bridge were installed on 2 October, funded by WSCC. Additional funding from the Wilson Memorial Trust enabled footpath resurfacing on the east side, completing the White Bridge Link project and creating a durable, weatherproof path between Steyning and Upper Beeding. 

The grand opening for the bridge was on 21 November 2025.

Aerial photograph showing the new birdge being placed

Opening ceremony – cutting of ribbon by Roger Potter - Chair White Bridge Link Project Steyning and District Community Partnership with Cllr Joy Dennis – WSCC Cabinet member for Highways and Transport.

WS Highways Utility Projects Update

This section provides updates on projects being carried out by utility companies across the West Sussex Highways Network.

Upcoming Gas Network Improvements in Bersted

Southern Gas Network will be carrying out essential works on North Bersted Street, Bersted, to fully replace the gas main and its connections to all residential properties. The project is scheduled to run from 5 January 2026 to 8 May 2026.

To facilitate these works, there will be a 24-hour road closure from the Royal Oak pub to the dead end outside number 82. These improvements are critical to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas supply.

If you need further information about these works, you can contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or alternatively you can call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, follow https://one.network/?tmi=GB41782035

Essential Power Network Upgrades in Crawley

UK Power Networks is currently undertaking a project to replace underground electricity cables between Three Bridges and Fleming Way as part of our ongoing investment in the local electricity network.

Installation of new electricity cables within the carriageway on Tinsley Lane from 8 September to 16 December 2025. To complete the work as quickly and safely as possible, a daytime road closure will be in place on Tinsley Lane between 08:30 and 18:30. Outside these hours, two-way traffic lights will be in operation.

From 5 January 2026, works will move to Hazelwick Avenue (Northbound) with a road closure in place for approximately 6 weeks. This will be followed by temporary traffic lights from 16 February 2026 to 10 April 2026, operating between 08:00 and 18:00.

If you have any specific concerns, you can contact our customer care team on 0800 028 4587 or care@ukpowernetworks.co.uk.

Gas Replacement Works Scheduled in Chichester

Gas main replacement works will commence on the A286 Birdham Road, Chichester, from 5 January 2026 and are expected to last approximately 10 weeks. The project will be carried out by Southern Gas Network under multi-way traffic lights. These essential works are necessary to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply for the community.

If you need further information about these works, you can contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or alternatively you can call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, follow https://one.network/?GB145940789

Old Gas Pipes Replacement in Horsham

Southern Gas Network will be replacing old pipes in Springfield Road, between St John the Evangelist and the Horsham United Reform Church, Horsham from Monday 5 January 2025

To ensure everyone's safety, Springfield Road will be closed to motorists between these two locations. Alternative access routes for affected properties, shops and businesses will be indicated with signage on the road.

From  Monday 26 January. The works will be carried out in the Albion Way area, Horsham. There will be lane closure in both direction and the works will be carried out in two phases lasting an approximate six weeks combined.

Please click  here if you need further information. You can also contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, follow https://one.network/?GB146909796

Updates from VolkerHighways - Reactive Maintenance Contractors

Road Safety Week

During National Road Safety Week we delivered our Road Safety Assembly to 6 different primary schools across the county with our lovely mascot Kerby the Cone. We reached approximately 2,000 children with the vital message of how to stay safe on our roads. By educating young people on road safety, we’re helping to reduce risks, build awareness, and create safer environments for future generations. 

Road Safety Assembly

Keep up to date 📱💻

Facebook, X, Bluesky & WhatsApp

Updates on emergency reports are posted every day and project updates are posted frequently on the West Sussex Highways Facebook @West Sussex Highways, X @WSHighways, and Bluesky @wshighways.bsky.social accounts.

Did you know you can get gritter alerts, grass cutting updates and up to date information on road issues on WhatsApp? You can follow silently or opt for alerts to notify you when we share an update. To find us open WhatsApp and select "Updates" from the bottom menu, then simply search for WSHighways or click the link - WSHighways.

Produced by the Customer Communications Officer, Highways Transport and Planning. Please contact active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk with any comments or suggestions for future articles.