Updated: 14/09/2020

Following concerns raised by the local community and stakeholders, SGN have agreed with Highways England and East Sussex Highways to revise their original plans (below), to help minimise disruption in the area.

To ensure everyone’s safety and to access the gas main, SGN will now be replacing their old cast iron pipe with new plastic pipe under temporary two-way traffic lights. To limit any risk, they’ll manually control the traffic lights Monday to Friday, from 7am until 7pm and work extended hours whenever possible. SGN would encourage all commuters to please, plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

SGN will also have spotters positioned at strategic locations to monitor the traffic flow on the network. However, at this stage, it is important to note there is an agreement in place with Highways England and East Sussex Highways, should the new traffic management system of temporary lights cause major delays to road users, SGN are required to revert back to the original plan of a directional closure along the southbound carriage way.

SGN have made us aware of a forthcoming upgrade to the gas network in Winchelsea Road. Their project involves the essential replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure they continue to provide a safe and reliable gas supply to the local area. SGN's contractor, WCB Utilities will undertake this work on their behalf.

SGN have said that this safety-critical project needs to go ahead now, rather than wait until the coronavirus pandemic passes, to ensure the local community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.

In close consultation with Highways England, SGN have agreed to start the project on Monday 28 September and expect to last approximately three weeks. For everyone’s safety, they'll need to close the A259 Winchelsea Road southbound from Kettle o’ Fish Roundabout to Smeaton Stores.

SGN understand that some locals will use alternative routes, but the signed diversion route for all vehicles especially larger vehicles like HGVs and lorries, will be via A259, Rye Road, B2093, A21, Westfield Lane, A28, Brede Hill, King Wood Hill, B2089, Cinque Ports Street and Wish Street. All businesses will remain open as usual and SGN encourage all commuters to please, plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

SGN are working closely with the UK Government and public health bodies to make sure they work in line with expert advice during the pandemic. SGN have extra safety precautions in place to protect their colleagues and communities from catching or spreading the virus as they carry out their safety-critical project. There’s more information about their coronavirus response on the SGN website: sgn.co.uk/coronavirus

SGN Engineers are happy to answer questions at any time during their project. Please remember to keep a safe distance when speaking to their team or passing the site.

SGN understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks. However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that when the work is complete, local residents will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.