Plans to build the UK’s “longest road tunnel” to ease congestion on the A27 are being actively pursued by Adur and Worthing Council. The scheme was discussed by the council’s joint strategic subcommittee earlier this week (6 September) and has now been recommended for approval. The news comes after Transport for the South East (TfSE) included proposals for the £2bn, 4km to 5km project in its draft Strategic Investment Plan for the South East.
Worthing Borough Council leader Beccy Cooper said: “We know something very bold has to be done to promote sustainable transport and reduce carbon emissions. Proposals such as the tunnel and removing the level crossing will need much more thinking through and consultation with our local communities, and may of course come to nothing, as considerable funding will be necessary. “
According to current estimates, if the major infrastructure project was to go ahead, it would be delivered between 2045 and 2050. TfSE’s plan states that when congestion builds on the A27, “traffic diverts away from the A27 to alternative routes that are less suited to high volumes”.
As part of the investment plan, the national Road Investment Strategy has been named as the “default” source of funding. TfSE’s Strategic Investment Plan for the South East is aimed at reducing the region’s carbon footprint while also dealing with some of the transport problems that currently exist. The group has estimated that the total cost to deliver all of the projects by 2050 would be £48bn.
English 