Calls for Public Inquiry into Ongoing Road Fiasco
PAUL MCLAUGHLIN
Helena Dollimore and Cllr Godfrey Daniel have called for a public inquiry into the prolonged delays and disruption surrounding the A21 Gateway project. The key route, intended to link the A21 Sedlescombe Road North with Queensway, was initially scheduled for completion last Christmas. Instead, the works have faced repeated setbacks, with completion now pushed to the end of this summer.
The local Labour MP is demanding answers as to why the Queensway Gateway is still unfinished despite the new Labour Government allocating £2.5 billion to complete the scheme last summer. She said East Sussex County Council must answer for why they have allowed the works to overrun, causing delays for residents and businesses, and costing local businesses millions of pounds.
Cllr Godfrey Daniel, the Labour County Councillor for Braybrooke and Castle ward condemned the situation as an “ongoing fiasco” and a “national disgrace.” He called for a formal investigation to look into the matter at a meeting of the Full Council on 20 May. In a blistering attack on Keith Glazier, the Leader of East Sussex County Council, he highlighted “the deep impact the delays have had on the community, from hampering emergency services to daily frustrations for commuters and businesses.” He added, “only a public inquiry can provide the accountability residents deserve and drive commitment from the Department for Transport and National Highways for a clear and funded improvement plan. We are not asking for luxury, just for a basic, functioning road network that meets modern standards.”
Cllr Glazier responded by citing unforeseen complications, notably issues with a Southern Water drain that required redirection, as key reasons for the delays. He confirmed that temporary traffic lights will be reinstalled on A21 Sedlescombe Road North next week as the final construction phase of the Queensway Gateway Road begins.
An East Sussex Highways spokesperson outlined the remaining work: removal of 3,000 cubic metres of earth from an embankment, relocation of a water main, and upgrades to the northern filter lane and signalised junction. The new temporary traffic lights will cover a shorter distance—between The Ridge flyover and the southern side of Junction Road—to help reduce queues. Additionally, they will be manually controlled during peak hours to improve traffic flow. The lights will remain in place until the final junction improvements are complete and said a more precise completion date will be shared once work progresses.
It is anticipated that the final stage of the project will be completed by the end of the summer. The Highways spokesperson added that a clearer indication and a firm announcement would be given once the work is underway.
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