Major roadworks which are set to bring two weeks of misery for drivers on Sussex’s busiest route start tonight.

An eight-mile section of the eastbound A27 between the Devil’s Dyke Interchange and the Beddingham roundabout near Lewes will be closed for four nights between 8pm and 6am until Thursday (March 21).

The westbound stretch will then be closed overnight on Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Road studs will be upgraded, sections of safety barrier will be improved and new anti-skid surfaces will be installed on exit slip roads.

Drivers will be directed off the A27 at the interchange and sent south through Brighton and Hove via King George VI Avenue and Hangleton Road to the seafront.

They will then be directed along the coast to Newhaven to join the A26 to the Beddingham roundabout.

The A27 will also be closed in both directions between Grinstead Lane in Lancing and the A24 roundabout in Worthing overnight until March 28.

Carriageways will also be closed on the A27 as it winds its way through Arundel to Fontwell.

The Argus: Hangleton to LewesHangleton to Lewes

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: “The improvement schemes will maintain safe and reliable journeys on this important route and bring real benefits to drivers and pedestrians.

"We thank road users for their patience and urge all drivers who are affected to leave extra time for their journeys.”

An interactive closure map of the closures is available at bit.ly/A27closedMarch2013.

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