THE longest road tunnel in the UK could be built as a long-term solution to congestion along the A27.

The tunnel, which would cost around £2 billion, has been touted as a way of addressing traffic and a way to improve local quality of life.

A new report by Transport for the South East (TfSE) said investing in such schemes is the only way carbon emissions from congested road traffic can be seriously tackled and improve

Should the plans go ahead, the tunnel could be ready for construction by 2050, with a range of other measures proposed to cut congestion in the short term.

The transport group's report, which was put to councillors from Worthing Borough Council yesterday, also put forward a draft strategic investment plan for South East England, which would cost £48 billion by 2050.

Plans include vast improvements in rail services, including faster journeys between Brighton and Southampton, more long-distance journeys linking Brighton, Portsmouth and Southampton, and additional capacity between Worthing and Brighton, allowing for a combined 10,000 extra rail trips per day.

Proposals also included new bus services in Brighton and Hove, extending into West Sussex to cut as many as 65,000 car trips each week day, and promoting a Sussex coast active travel scheme with significant upgrades for walking and cycling pathways.

West Worthing level crossing would be closed under the plans, but the report states that such a move would need to be carefully planned to allow proper access routes.

Worthing Borough Council leader Beccy Cooper welcomed the proposals and said: “We know something very bold has to be done to promote sustainable transport and reduce carbon emissions.

“We need to have a vision, a framework for how we are going to help people take fewer car journeys. 

“Investing in sustainable travel networks, including public transport, walking and cycling is essential to help us all get out of our cars, particularly for short journeys.

“Proposals such as the tunnel and removing the level crossing will need much more thinking through and consultation with our local communities, and many of course come to nothing as considerable funding will be necessary, but we broadly welcome a direction of travel that wants to work with Worthing to make it healthier and more accessible.”