Drivers were stuck for hours in queues as emergency pothole repairs caused chaos on one of Sussex’s busiest roads – and there could be a repeat today.
Frustrated drivers were stuck in six miles of tailbacks yesterday (February 19) with simple journeys taking up to two hours to complete.
The massive delays were caused after East Sussex County Council workmen arrived to fix holes in the A259 coast road at about 2pm.
The crews were originally called to a pothole near Rose Walk in Newhaven but decided others nearby were also dangerous and needed to be repaired immediately.
As traffic began toback up, huge delays were soon reported stretching in both directions.
Workmen are due to return to the road this morning to continue the repairs, with long delays again expected.
Long delays
The journey between Denton Corner in Newhaven and Peacehaven normally takes seven minutes but one driver – who said his blood was “boiling” – reported it took him two hours yesterday. On Twitter one motorist said Peacehaven was “totally jammed”.
At 2.50pm Amanda Goring tweeted: “Huge traffic jam through Newhaven and Seaford – five miles and counting.”
East Sussex county councillor David Rogers, who represents the area, said the two-hour delays were “simply unacceptable”.
He said: “The wet and cold weather has caused disruption and I agree that potholes need to be repaired.
“But ways need to be found so there isn’t much disruption. Although the middle of the day is not the busiest time, any work that causes two hour delays cannot be right.”
Bus tickets
Southern agreed to accept Brighton and Hove bus tickets on routes between Eastbourne and Brighton because of the disruption.
Today crews will work on holes at Friston Hill, by Friston Pond, at the junction with Jevington Road and at the junction of Upper Street and Lower Street in East Dean.
A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: “We've seen a big increase in potholes following the severe weather that hit the county over Christmas and the New Year.
“We are sending out extra work gangs to fix the worst holes and have a programme of resurfacing works to improve roads across the county.
"We understand that roadworks can be frustrating for motorists but hope people will bear with us whilst this essential work is being carried out.”
Talking point: How concerned are you about road surfaces across Sussex? Share your views by commenting below or email The Argus letters pages letters@theargus.co.uk.
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