Lessons to be learnt from drive-through delays - MP

An MP has said "lessons need to be learnt " as the building of a drive-through Greggs bakery continues to cause traffic delays on the A27 in East Sussex.

The ongoing construction at the Esso Rontec Service Station between Falmer and Lewes has been blamed for creating an "absolute nightmare" for motorists, especially during peak times.

James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, described the level of disruption as "completely unacceptable" and "unjustified".

Greggs and Rontec have been approached for comment.

MacCleary said he had been informed by his constituents of serious "knock-on effects" from the A27 delays, such as sport teams having to cancel fixtures, pupils nearly missing exams and drivers having an hour or more added to their daily journeys.

He added: "Such a level of disruption should be commensurate with importance of the work being carried out.

"A new water mains, or electricity cables, is one thing, but a Greggs? That's hardly critical infrastructure and, therefore, unjustified."

MacCleary said the amount of disruption which might be caused had been "underestimated" and called for "a review of how this has all been handled" to ensure it does not happen again.

Contractors Landbuild apologised for the disruption but explained it was not directly involved with the new Greggs project.

A spokesperson said it had been "lengthening slip roads to the service station and improving the combined pedestrian and cycle lane".

During this, "lane closures were needed to ensure safety of the workforce and a 50mph speed reduction was required to ensure the temporary barrier system performed correctly in the event of an accident."

They said work was "being carried out seven days a week and overnight" and was expected to end on 15 May.

National Highways, which approved the work, said "safety is our top priority" while the build is "being carried out by a construction company on behalf of a third party.

"This may affect journey times and we advise road users to plan ahead by checking their route before travelling, allowing extra time and avoiding peak periods where possible."

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