THERE could finally be light at the end of the tunnel for thousands of drivers who get stuck at a notorious bottleneck.

Exceat Bridge - situated between East Dean and Seaford – is blocked every day, especially during the rush hours, and fed-up drivers say they have had enough.

Hairdresser Dale Francis, 38, launched a petition last year demanding the county council install traffic lights at the site.

His petition attracted 2,285 signatures.

Now it has been revealed that East Sussex County Council has put forward a plan to central government which would see a new bridge crossing the Cuckmere River.

The second bridge would relieve traffic flow on the A259 and improve journey times.

This proposal will follow the success of trialling traffic lights which were put in place during Airbourne when the road was packed as people drove to and from Eastbourne for the annual four-day air show.

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield said: “The majority of my constituents who have taken a journey on the A259 between Seaford and East Dean will be aware of the build-up of traffic along this stretch of road as it approaches the Exceat Bridge.

“Like many areas of infrastructure within my constituency, there has been a severe lack of investment for decades, and I am pleased to see the council taking action to right this wrong.

“Feedback on the bid that has been put forward to the Government is expected in the spring.”

East Sussex County Council said that the trial during Airbourne was a pilot for a longer term solution aimed at both reducing congestion and improving safety.

The council confirmed it has been looking at various options to ease the congestion on the A259 at Exceat.

The council is having to save millions of pounds in its annual budget and it is hoped the Government will provide the funds needed.