East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has been told to explain to Hastings residents why completion of the A21 Queensway link has been so long delayed and when it will be completed. The town’s MP Helena Dollimore has written to the County Council asking for “updated plans as a matter of urgency”, saying businesses have suffered serious losses and that jobs are being put at risk.

Kent Barker
Delays on the Road to Nowhere

Although the traffic lights and single-lane working on the A21 at the Ridge are being suspended over Christmas, the ESCC says “work will continue in the New Year, and traffic controls will be re-introduced”. The final part of the project, whose start was delayed so long it was dubbed the ‘Road to Nowhere’, was due to have been completed by 31 December 2024. Currently there appears to be no finishing date in sight.

As Ms Dollimore pointed out in her letter: “The traffic management has significantly increased journey times in Hastings, as cars are forced to queue through three sets of temporary traffic lights. The closure of Maplehurst Road and Junction Road, in combination with these works on the A21 at Sedlescombe Road North and the further works on The Ridge, means that there are no viable alternative routes to exit or enter Hastings from the north.” Locals also complain that their residential roads are now overrun with vehicles looking to avoid busier main roads, creating serious safety risks for those who live there.

The original work was being carried out by the link road’s sponsor, Sea Change Sussex, but the County Council insisted on taking over the construction of the final element having secured a £2.5 million government grant.

Sea Change said they had to ask their contractors to “remove their equipment and materials from the site to allow the County Council a clear space to finalise the project”. The current work, and the delays, have been ongoing since early September.


We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.

https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NEWS_A21-1024x768.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NEWS_A21-150x150.jpgHIPNewsA21 Queensway link,East Sussex County Council,Helena Dollimore,Sea Change SussexEast Sussex County Council (ESCC) has been told to explain to Hastings residents why completion of the A21 Queensway link has been so long delayed and when it will be completed. The town’s MP Helena Dollimore has written to the County Council asking for “updated plans as a matter...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper