Chaos descends as bridge closes

In the first of several closures for maintenance work, the bridge was shut from 8pm on Friday to 6am on Monday.

County, district and Littlehampton town councillor James Walsh has criticised the Highways Agency over the plans.

He said: "My impression was that it was absolute chaos. Around and through Littlehampton at times the whole town centre was gridlocked - it was impossible to get in and out."

Cllr Walsh said he made journeys to Walberton and Arundel from Rustington at the weekend and they took 45 minutes to an hour. It normally takes about 15 minutes.

Matthew Vann, owner of Arundel Butchers in The Square, said: "It did affect trade. There's no doubt about it."

Geoff Squire, marketing manager for the Arundel Wetland Centre, said the number of people visiting the centre was 'appalling'.

The work will consist of road resurfacing, brickwork repairs and the renewal of waterproofing on the bridge.

The agency has said the weekend closures are the best option to keep disruption to a minimum.

An agency spokesman said: "Advance warning signs have been out since August 11, and additional signs have been added to the diversion route since then.

"In addition, gantry signs on the M27 displayed information when the closure was in place over the weekend. Due to health and safety legislation, we are limited to what we can put on signs, but we have displayed information on closures and diversions as clearly as possible."

For the full story, see the West Sussex Gazette issue dated September 17.