Arundel's long-awaited new bypass could be completed by 2009 if funding is approved in the spring, it has been revealed.

West Sussex County Council today called it a "guesstimate" rather than a firm date but it is a major step forward for long-suffering Arundel residents.

The time-scale allows for an almost certain public inquiry into the road.

The date was revealed at a working party attended by representatives from West Sussex County Council and Arundel Town Council to discuss the impact of the new road on the medievall town.

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: "2009 is the earliest date the bypass could be finished.

"That would include time for the design of the bypass to be agreed and possibly for a public inquiry.

"However, we are still waiting for a decision from the transport secretary if the bypass is included in the Government's road spending programme. We expect that in the spring."

Chairman of Arundel Bypass Action Committee Dr Keith Stenson said he was sceptical about the date.

He said: "We are all in favour of the bypass but we have been here so many times before with dates that I think we are starting to get a bit sceptical."

The most contentious issue will be the exact route of the bypass and its structural design.

Among the ideas being discussed is a viaduct over the town's historic water meadows.

Government consultants Halcrow, who last September said a bypass was the only solution to the town's traffic congestion, said it had no firm designs.

Project leader Mark Brown said: "There are significant environmental issues that need to be addressed.

"There are no detailed designs at this stage."

An announcement about the preferred route for the bypass could be made early next year.

Consultants will use the existing pink/blue route which follows a route from Crossbush through Tortington Common and joins up with the existing A27 near Havenwood Caravan Park as a starting point.

The new road would cover about four miles and cost in the region of £27 million.

Local residents, Arundel Town Council and Arun District Council have campaigned for years for the bypass which they hope will ease severe traffic congestion along a two-mile stretch of the A27 that passes through the town.

Full public consultation will be held before a final decision is made.