Construction work is to has started on a 2km-long shared cycleway/walkway route, connecting Findon Valley with the South Downs National Park gateway of Findon Village in West Sessex.

The new route will provide a link for those wanting to opt for a more active way of travelling to see one of the county's attractions – the South Downs. It also has the advantage of linking in with an existing cycleway south of the Findon Valley shops, towards the A27 and a signed route into Worthing town centre.

The cycleway/walkway will be paid for with money from a Government grant for Active Travel projects. It is part of the County Council’s Active Travel improvement proposals, which aim to:

• make walking and cycling to work, education and leisure activities more attractive

• improve health and wellbeing by offering eco-friendly travel choices

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• broaden travel choices by offering safer, quick and easy walking and cycling options, particularly for short journeys

• support zero emission journeys and reduce reliance on car travel.

The shared cycle/footway will be built on the eastern side of the A24 from its junction with Findon High Street southwards to the May Tree Avenue junction.

A significant stretch of the route will be off-carriageway and on the eastern side of the A24, with the rest on quiet, residential roads.

The route will divert from the A24 behind the Findon Valley shops on-carriageway via May Tree Avenue and Lime Tree Avenue. The cycle route here will comprise traffic signage and cycle road markings only.

The scheme will be built in five phases, with the first starting on Tuesday – subject to unforeseen factors, such as severe weather.

Phase 1 High Street to Cross Lane.

Phase 2 Junction works at Cross Lane/A24 junction.

Phase 3 Junction works at Nepcote/A24 junction.

Phase 4 Nepcote to May Tree Avenue.

Phase 5 May Tree Avenue/ Lime Tree Avenue.

Single traffic lanes will be maintained on the dual carriageway A24 Findon Bypass for most of the project. Some tree works, carriageway surfacing, and kerbing works will require temporary traffic lights for the protection of both the public and workforce. These periods will be kept to a minimum and at off-peak times, where possible.

Construction of the shared path will require temporary closures to the eastern footpath along the A24 while works progress. However, the works will be done in phases to limit the closure lengths and the western footpath will remain open to pedestrians throughout.