Temporary traffic lights to be installed during A259 Rye gas works

The work, on the A259 Winchelsea Road, aims to ensure the community receives a ‘continued gas and reliable gas supply for many years to come’.

SGN said it is working the Government and public health bodies to ensure the project is carried out in line with all current coronavirus safety guidance.

“We have extra safety precautions in place to protect our colleagues and our communities during the pandemic,” SGN said.

“This essential work forms part of an ongoing mains replacement programme developed with the Health and Safety Executive.”

Following discussions with East Sussex Highways and Highways England, the project will start in the week commencing Saturday, September 26 and will last approximately three weeks.

During that time temporary traffic lights will be in place around the work area, on the A259 Winchelsea Road, between its junction with the Kettle o’ Fish Roundabout and Smeaton Stores.

They will be manually controlled from Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm. Spotters will be positioned at locations on the road network to monitor traffic flow.

SGN said if the temporary lights cause major delays on the road network, they will need review the traffic management and may need to temporarily close the southbound carriageway.

SGN Engineering Manager Warwick Drawbridge said: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means once the work has been completed, Rye homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”