Plans for a long-awaited replacement of the Exceat Bridge are set to be reconsidered after East Sussex County Council faced insurmountable cost increases and planning delays. The project, initially aimed at replacing the aging one-lane structure with a two-lane bridge to ease congestion, has been deemed unaffordable due to rising expenses.
The council had secured nearly £8 million from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Levelling Up Fund in 2021, but a combination of inflation, planning constraints, and land negotiations within the South Downs National Park has pushed costs beyond an additional £10 million. As a result, council leaders will review a scaled-down alternative on Tuesday, March 4, proposing a like-for-like single-lane bridge with permanent traffic lights.
Funding Challenges and Planning Delays Impact Bridge Upgrade
The original proposal aimed to improve traffic flow, reduce journey times, and enhance accessibility for both residents and visitors. However, unexpected hurdles, including the complexity of securing planning approval in a protected national park and increasing construction costs, have significantly inflated the project’s budget.
A report to the council’s Cabinet has confirmed that alternative funding options have been exhausted. Suggestions such as borrowing funds, introducing a toll system, or redirecting income from future Lane Rental schemes have all been ruled out as unviable. Consequently, the council has conceded that the financial shortfall of £10.667 million cannot be met.
Instead, members will be asked to consider a more affordable single-lane replacement bridge, which would remove plans for two lanes, viewing platforms, bike racks, and seating areas originally intended to enhance the site. Future improvements for sustainable travel will be reviewed separately, dependent on funding availability and planning permissions.
Government Approval and Extended Deadline Required
If the scaled-down plan is approved, the Department for Transport must confirm whether the original Levelling Up funds can still be allocated to the revised project. Additionally, the council will need to seek an extension to the current spending deadline, moving it from March 2025 to March 2026.
One advantage of the revised plan is that it may fall within the council’s permitted development rights, meaning further planning permission might not be necessary. However, confirmation from the South Downs National Park Authority is still required before proceeding.
Temporary Fix or Long-Term Solution?
As an alternative, the Cabinet report also explores the possibility of refurbishing the existing bridge rather than replacing it. However, officials have cautioned that this would be a short-term solution, requiring the bridge to be fully replaced within a few years.
The council’s decision will be crucial in determining the future of the Exceat Bridge project. If the new proposal is approved, work could proceed with minimal further delays, but the long-term aspirations for a fully modernized two-lane crossing will remain unrealized due to funding constraints.
Residents and commuters will be watching closely as council leaders debate the best course of action next week. The outcome will determine whether a practical, albeit reduced, solution can be implemented, or whether further delays and uncertainty lie ahead for one of East Sussex’s key transport links.
