Work is to begin to develop a crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists on the A283 Steyning Road in Shoreham.

Construction of the toucan crossing is set to start on 27 September, subject to unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather. The target completion date is 18 November.

Thf project is funded through the Department for Transport's Active Travel Fund.

The crossing will:

• Benefit the whole community by providing a safer crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists to access the river-side footway and cycleway, improving access between St Nicolas Lane, the town centre, Shoreham Toll Bridge and the Downs Link

• Improve connectivity for school children, such as those going to and from the Sir Robert Woodard Academy

• Improve connectivity for a nearby business centre.

The results of a public consultation last year gave a clear message: of those people who expressed either support or opposition, 94 per cent were in favour of the scheme.

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The project comprises:

• Installing the push-button controlled traffic light crossing for pedestrians and cyclists

• Installing a new two-way cycleway connection from St Nicolas Lane

• Widening and resurfacing of the footways immediately adjacent to the crossing

• Installation of high-friction road surfacing to improve safety for those on the crossing

• Bus stop improvements, including increasing the area of hard standing and installing an electronic real time passenger information board

• Crossing warning signs for motorists

• Reduced speed limit from national speed limit, single lane carriageway, to 50mph between the A27 interchange roundabout and the existing speed limit change to the 30mph into Shoreham.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the construction project. This is essential for the safety of both the public and workforce.

The lights will be manually controlled during peak hours. However, due to the extent and complexity of the works, delays are likely. Road users are therefore encouraged to find alternate routes, if possible, or leave extra time for their journeys.

The nearby bus stop (outside of the Red Lion public house) will be out of use during the works. Passengers will be required to use other stops, such as in Upper Shoreham and Old Shoreham Road: they are encouraged to please liaise with the bus operators if they have any queries.

Access to footways for pedestrians and connectivity to the Down Link shared cycle path will be restricted at times but will be maintained.