THE closure of South Road in Hailsham has officially begun, with the first morning of the major gas works getting off to a difficult start after a road traffic collision on the A22 Hailsham Bypass.
The collision forced the closure of the main diversion route, sending additional traffic through Hailsham town centre and causing delays for motorists already trying to navigate the new, already delayed road closures.
South Road is expected to remain closed to through traffic between South Close and Ersham Road for around eight weeks while SGN replaces a nearly 100-year-old gas main. The overall project, which will also affect Diplocks Way, Gordon Road and Ersham Road in phases, is due to continue until the end of October.
The works are being carried out by SGN, which says replacing the ageing metal pipe is the only long-term solution to avoid repeated emergency repairs in the future.
The gas network company has said vehicle access for residents and businesses will be maintained via signed diversion routes, although some business owners have told Hailsham News they remain concerned about how customers and staff will access their premises during the works.
Hailsham News will continue to monitor the project and provide updates as the work progresses.
