A CONVOY carrying equipment to an electricity substation has set off across the county after several delays.

The convoy, carrying two loads weighing 300 tonnes each, was hampered by an oil leak before it left Shoreham Port this morning, and then struggled to negotiate the port gates to begin its 41-mile journey to a National Grid substation in Ninfield, near Bexhill.

Delays have left the convoy some two and a half hours behind schedule, with motorists facing severe travel disruption.

National Highways warned road users of “significant disruption to traffic” along the A27 and A259 as the convoy heads very slowly across Sussex.

A diversion route via the A270, the A259 and A26 is currently in effect, with a section of the A27 between the Ashcombe roundabout and the Southerham roundabout set to remain closed until 8pm.

The Argus:

The closure has taken place to allow for a temporary bridge to be constructed so the convoy can safely cross the River Ouse.

Pictures have shown vehicles in the convoy, stretching over 70 metres in length, heading down Sussex’s roads and navigating corners.

The “abnormal load” is being escorted by police on its journey to temporarily hold traffic and allow the convoy to safely progress.

The Argus:

Despite the diversion route, long delays have been building around Lewes as motorists seek to avoid the road closure.

Traffic has also built up along the A259 in Newhaven, with traffic moving at just 5mph.

Bus services have also been affected by the approaching convoy, with Stagecoach warning that its 5, 6, 51, 54, 98, 99, 251 and 252 routes all subject to disruption later this afternoon, as the load heads through Polegate, Bexhill and Ninfield.

Residents and businesses in some towns and villages have been warned that access to their properties will also be restricted as the convoy passes through, although National Highways has sought to reassure people that this will only be for a “short amount of time”.

The convoy had been due to be on the last leg of its journey to the substation by around 7pm this afternoon, but this is likely to be pushed back due earlier delays in setting off.