Current work update and road closures

We started work in June 2024 on a scheme to improve the A23 (London Road and Preston Road), between Argyle Road and Preston Drove. The first phase of work is from Argyle Road and Preston Road to south of Dyke Road Drive is now substantially complete. 

The current phase of the A23 Active Travel Scheme is from the Dyke Road Drive junction with Preston Road A23 through to the entrance of Preston Park, at the junction of Stanford Avenue.

All dates are subject to the progress of work and dependent on the weather. 

Buses

The Springfield Road northbound bus stop is currently suspended and will be replaced by the new bus stop north of the junction with Dyke Road Drive and is expected to be operational by January 2025.

Other north and southbound bus stops will be suspended throughout the work to make improvements. More details of suspensions will be provided closer to the time.

What we are doing

The changes are designed to improve a key transport corridor for the city and make it a safer and more attractive environment for all who use it.

Works taking place specifically on Dyke Road Drive include:

  • junction improvements including a raised crossing point and wider pavement for pedestrians
  • new floating bus stops
  • new parking spaces including a blue badge bay
  • new cycle lanes 

We'll keep this webpage updated throughout the work. If you have any questions about the A23 Active Travel Scheme or would like a copy of the latest newsletter, send an email to transport.projects@brighton-hove.gov.uk. 

 

Map showing the work to take place on the A23 Active Travel route

Timeline

Aims of the A23 Active Travel Scheme

The A23 Active Travel Scheme aims to improve a key transport corridor for the city and make it a safer and more attractive environment for all who use it.

On completion, the finished scheme will:

  • enable and encourage active and inclusive travel such as walking, cycling and wheeling through new and updated infrastructure
  • improve the overall experience for public transport users
  • upgrade key junctions and improve road safety for all users
  • improve access to green spaces, heritage attractions and leisure locations situated along the A23 

Reasons for making the changes

The A23 is identified as a high-priority strategic route for improvement in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), a strategic plan which identifies routes and areas in the city for improvement over the next 10 years.

The A23 forms part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 20, between Brighton and Pyecombe. The current cycle infrastructure on the route falls short of the current national design standards for cycling (LTN 1/20). These standards promote high-quality cycle facilities, including protecting and separating cyclists from vehicles and pedestrians to:

  • ensure safety
  • promote an increase in cycling

Improving accessibility and safety

New and upgraded crossing facilities and pedestrian spaces will make crossing the A23 and accessing the attractions on either side of the road easier for all.

In Phase 1, improvements include:

  • a new toucan crossing between Preston Park and popular hotel accommodation
  • a new signalised pedestrian crossing between Preston Park and Preston Park Rockery, a municipal rock garden previously awarded the best park in England

Provide sustainable travel options to key destinations along the route

Through new and upgraded active travel infrastructure we can provide residents and visitors with the ability to choose sustainable forms of transport to reach the variety of destinations along the A23 Active Travel Scheme area including:

  • popular green spaces such as Preston Park, Withdean Park and Patcham Peace Gardens
  • sport and leisure facilities such as Withdean Sports Complex
  • heritage attractions and listed buildings such as Preston Manor and Gardens
  • Preston Park Railway Station
  • shops, cafes, pubs and accommodation options
  • local schools and medical centres