§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce safety improvements to(a) the A26 Beddingham-Newhaven and (b) the A27 Lewes-Polegate. [63558]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Highways Agency has introduced a number of safety improvements on the A26 437W between Beddingham and Newhaven and the A27 between Lewes and Polegate respectively and has plans to introduce more. These are:
(a) A26 Beddingham to Newhaven
South Downs Way Crossing—a study is underway with a view to providing a signal controlled pedestrian/cycle/equestrian crossing.Beddingham Warning Sign—'Queues Likely' sign is about to be erected to the south of Beddingham roundabout.Itford Farm Layby—study is in progress with a view to providing a layby in the vicinity of the South Downs Way.Resurfacing—the skidding resistance of most of the carriageway from north of the Beddingham landfill sites to the Tarring Neville junction is programmed to increased early in the new year.(b) A27 Lewes to Polegate
Lewes—Polegate—a study of the double white lining system has currently been completed and improvements are due to be implemented shortly.Willington Cross Road—a scheme to provide a right turn facility is being prepared and subject to land acquisition, is expected to be implemented in the next financial year. If SUSTRANS opts for National Cycle Route at this point on the trunk road the scheme will include a light controlled 'Toucan' pedestrian crossing.Aberdale Road, Polegate, Cycle Crossing—a SUSTRANS sponsored National Cycle Route Crossing of the trunk Road involving the provision of a light-controlled 'Toucan' pedestrian crossing is programmed in the current financial year.Southerham to Ranscombe Lane Cycle Route—a scheme is in preparation and is expected to be implemented during the next financial year.Beddingham Footways—a study is in hand to establish the provision of footways between laybys on either side of the railway level crossing and crossings telephones.A22 Junction (South)—consideration is being given to upgrading the traffic signals at this busy junction and to linking them with the A22 Wannock Road signals.Firle Cycle Track—a study is underway with a view to providing a cycle track between the Glynde junction and Middle farm, programmed for this financial year.Southerham Roundabout—a study is in hand to provide dedicated lanes at this very busy junction.Sameston—a lower speed limit is planned for early in the new year and crash protection for 'Corner Cottage' is currently being designed.