What is happening?

We are working to widen the A23 between Handcross and Warninglid. Key features of the project are:

• Approximately 2.4 miles (3.8 km) of dual three-lane carriageway to replace the existing dual two-lane carriageway between Handcross and Warninglid junctions, located generally within the existing highway boundary. There will be no main carriageway lighting or lay-bys.
• Closure of direct local residential and commercial accesses and provision of alternative access routes to improve safety.
• Revised junctions at Handcross and Warninglid including rebuilding the VOSA weighbridge site at Handcross.
• A two-way service road from Warninglid to provide access to commercial and residential properties on the west side of the A23.
• A footway/cycleway between Handcross and Warninglid with connections to the local footpath network between Slaugham and Warninglid. Equestrians will also be able to use the route between Slaugham and Warninglid.
• Two narrow lanes to be kept open in each direction with 40mph speed restrictions and average speed cameras during construction (further lane restrictions may be installed overnight for specific operations).
• Traffic monitoring of local roads before, during and after construction to assess any affects of the closure of Slaugham junction on the local network.

When and where is this happening?

This scheme is located on the A23 trunk road from the B2110 junction at Handcross to the B2115 junction at Warninglid, south of Crawley, in West Sussex. Work started in October 2011 and we plan on opening the scheme to traffic in Autumn 2014. The improvements are broadly along the line of the existing A23 and in accordance with modified Orders and an Environmental Statement, approved in March 2010.
The delay and revised programme has meant that we now intend to close Handcross junction for longer than previously advised. The northbound off-slip to the B2110 will be permanently closed between July 2013 and January 2014; the northbound on-slip will be closed from November 2013 to January 2014 and the Brighton Road slip road to the southbound A23 will be closed from February to July 2014. Access to existing properties and businesses on these slip roads will be retained and we are currently developing the plans for diversion routes with local group representatives, West Sussex County Council and Sussex police. Full details will be published as they become available.

Why is this happening and what will it cost?

In the period between 2003 and 2007 there were 112 accidents involving personal injuries, three of which were fatal. Pedestrian and cyclist facilities in the area are also limited and involve negotiating both carriageways.
A scheme to widen the route to dual three-lane standard with a fourth crawler lane was considered, but abandoned following a Public Inquiry in the 1990s. Further studies to assess the environmental impact were undertaken and a revised on-line widening scheme, which reduced the environmental effects, was developed. Revised draft Orders for the amended scheme were published in November 2008 and considered at a Public Inquiry in June 2009. The Secretary of State’s decision to proceed with the scheme following the Inquiry and subject to modifications, was published in March 2010.

The estimated outturn cost for this scheme is £74 million.

How will the scheme be carried out?

Advance works started in April 2011 and we commenced main works with a full site clearance in October and November 2011. Civil engineering works started in early July 2012, and since then we have completed the new access tracks to East Park and Stanbridge and undertaken part of the temporary widening of the southbound carriageway. We have also nearly completed the new junction between the northbound A23 and the B2115 at Warninglid, as well as establishing our main site compound on the west side of the A23, at Stanbridge View.

Progress was delayed by poor weather through the later part of 2012, so alternative engineering solutions were adopted to enable works at Warninglid northbound slip roads to progress through the winter. Additional cross-over points between the southbound and northbound carriageways are being provided to enable greater flexibility for managing traffic between the two carriageways. This has enabled the construction programme to be rephased. The combined effect of these changes should enable time to be recovered and the works completed as originally planned, in Autumn 2014.

What are the benefits?

The Handcross to Warninglid scheme is intended to improve traffic flow by widening the existing road and improve safety by bringing the road up to modern standards.

How do I find out more information ?

More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.

If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_​info@​highways.​gsi.​gov.​uk or calling 0300 123 5000.

Will there be roadworks?

Road works are required and are now in place for the main engineering works, which started on Monday 2 July 2012. These will remain until the scheme is complete in Autumn 2014.

Occasionally full carriageway overnight closures will be required, mainly for adjusting the traffic management between different phases of construction.

Road Works

How will you manage traffic?

Two narrow lanes remain open in the south bound direction, with two lanes in contraflow on the northbound carriageway between May 2013 and March 2014 the maximum width is 3.15 due to the carriageway split. There will be regular overnight lane closures during May 2013. Overnight closures are scheduled to take place between 20:00 hrs and 06:00 hrs. 

A 40 mph speed limit is in place to ensure safety through the roadworks. The speed limit will be enforced by average speed cameras, and a free vehicle recovery service will be provided 24 hours a day.

Starting later in the year we need to close the Handcross slip roads for an extended period. Unfortunately this will not be for occasional overnight periods as originally announced. The layout of the slip roads at Handcross are to be improved and the VOSA weighbridge site will be completely reconstructed across the line of the existing off slip.

The northbound off slip will close from July 2013 to February 2014.
The northbound on slip will close from November 2013 to February 2014.
The southbound on slip (Brighton Road) will close from February 2014 to July 2014.

All closures will be announced in advance on our website. Access to properties and businesses located on the slip roads and Brighton Road will be maintained. We have been working closely with parish councils, residents groups, and West Sussex County Council to agree the diversion routes for traffic which will also be announced shortly.

We apologise in advance for the inconvenience and disruption this may cause you.

Pedal cyclists and pedestrians

Because of the danger to cyclists and pedestrians on the A23 whilst the works are being carried out, an Order has been made which bans them from using the A23 between Handcross and Warninglid.
The Order prohibits cyclists and pedestrians using the A23 between the B2110/B2114 Handcross and B2115 Warninglid junctions including the slip roads at those junctions. An alternative route is signed via Sustrans NCR20. The Order came into force on 11 September 2012 and it is expected that the prohibitions will be in operation for approximately 18 months.

Will there be diversions?

Diversions will be necessary at times, and the recognised diversion route will be used. During full carriageway overnight closures, the road will be closed between junction 11 of the M23 and the A272 at Bolney, with diversions in place via the A264, A24 and A272.

These are as follows:

• Southbound traffic will be diverted off the M23 at junction 11, then via the A264, A24 and A272 to the rejoin the A23 at Bolney.
• The Warninglid B2115 southbound entry slip road will remain open for traffic to join the A23.
• Northbound traffic will be diverted off the A23 at A272 Bolney Junction then via A272, A24 and A264 to rejoin the M23 at junction 11 at Pease Pottage.
• The Handcross B2110 A23 northbound entry slip road will remain open for traffic to join the A23.

Cyclist and pedestrian diversions

During the prohibitions outlined above, cyclists and pedestrians will be diverted to join the National Cycle Route No. 20 at Handcross Junction (B2110/B2114) or Warninglid Junction (B2115). The prohibitions and diversion route will be clearly indicated by traffic signs.

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A23 Handcross to Warninglid

Department for Transport A23 Handcross to Warninglid Widening Statement of the Minister's decision following public consultation

The Minister of State for Transport has announced the Preferred Route for the A23 Handcross to Warninglid Widening in West Sussex.

1. The announcement follows full consideration of all the factors involved including the views expressed by the public, local authorities and other interested organisations during consultation held from 16 May 2003 to 30 June 2003.

The Preferred Route

3. The Preferred Route for the scheme is shown on the attached [sic] plan.
4. The A23 Handcross to Warninglid scheme is to widen the existing dual 2-lane carriageway to dual 3 lanes with improvements to the unsatisfactory horizontal alignment and a new Slaugham Junction. The improvements link with the existing dual 3-lane road north of Handcross and south of Warninglid. The works are contained generally within the existing highway boundary and the existing road will remain open throughout construction of the scheme. Access to properties and businesses along this section of the A23 will be kept open during construction but new access roads will be provided.

The Present Situation

5. The existing 2.4 miles (3.8 km) length of dual 2-lane road between Handcross and Warninglid links with the recently built dual 3-lane sections to the north and south. To the north the M23 commences 2.5 miles (4 km) north of Handcross and links with Gatwick Airport and the M25. To the south the A23 is a high quality route all the way to Brighton where it joins the A27 which itself links with the main towns along the south coast. These towns include Eastbourne, Lewes, Brighton, Hove, Shoreham and Worthing and are all linked via the A27, much of which is a high standard dual 2-lane carriageway. In contrast the links between the M25 and A27 areas are limited with the A23 being the only higher standard route. This means that some of the traffic funnels towards the A23 rather than using lower standard routes, for example the A22 and A24.
6. The existing dual 2-lane road between Handcross and Warninglid has sub-standard horizontal alignment and junctions together with many accesses. As a result a large number of accidents occur and queues result, in particular on the uphill gradients at peak times, which means that traffic often diverts to less suitable parallel country lanes when problems occur on the A23.
7. The A23 over this length carries 66,200 vehicles per day (vpd) of which 8.5% are heavy goods vehicles. This flow is expected to increase to 73,000 vpd by 2008 and this could be higher if developments occur at Gatwick and elsewhere along the route. The traffic flows are above the capacity of a 2-lane layout and as a result congestion often occurs at peak periods.
8. The accident rate for the Handcross to Warninglid section was 62 personal injury accidents (pias) over the 3 year period from 1999 to 2001 which included 2 fatal accidents and 6 serious accidents. This converts to an average of 0.251 pias per million vehicle kilometres which is over 2.5 times higher than the expected national average of 0.096 for this type of road.
9. The existing A23 over this length has very limited footpath or cycleway provision and the footpaths which cross the A23 are at-grade. There are sub-standard accesses to businesses and properties off the existing carriageway and these result in hazardous manoeuvres and accidents. In particular the sub-standard junction with the local east-west road connecting Slaugham and Staplefield which is at the bottom of the A23 gradient is particularly hazardous and is the cause of accidents, resulting in congestion.
10. The A23 over this length goes through a very sensitive landscape and ecological area falling within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which lies between the North and South Downs. Typical features which form this area are deep wooded valleys and extensive woodlands, many of which being remnants of ancient woodland together with villages and settlements and narrow lanes enclosed with high hedges.
11. Although there are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the immediate vicinity of the A23, the section passes through an area of significant ecological interest and nature conservation. Most of the mature broad leaf woodland on both sides of the road between Handcross and Slaugham Junction is designated an Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. This includes 3 designated areas adjacent to the A23 which are of high regional conservation value. In particular there is a sensitive ecological area where the River Ouse crosses the A23.
12. The National Trust property, Nymans, is a popular attraction with extensive gardens north of the B2114, some 300 metres from the A23. The National Trust land covers extensive woodland including East Park which abuts the A23 over the northern section.
13. A Vehicle Inspectorate weighbridge is situated on the A23 northbound carriageway at the top of the gradient with the junction at Handcross. This is necessary for inspection of heavy goods vehicles.

Public Consultation

14. Public consultation for upgrading the A23 between Handcross and Warninglid was carried out between 16 May and 30 June 2003.
15. A total of 206 visitors attended the exhibition, 196 Comments Forms were completed and 33 written responses were received. Of those who responded, 67% said they used the Handcross to Warninglid section on a daily basis with 23% using it weekly and 10% on a monthly basis. Of those who would be affected by the improvements, 175 respondents were drivers, 22 were cyclists, 35 pedestrians, 150 local residents and 10 local businesses.
16. In response to the question "Does the existing route needed to be improved?" 95% said "Yes", 3% said "No" with 2% having no opinion. When asked "What are the main problems with the route?" 38 respondents (19%) said the tight bends, 9 respondents (5%) said steep gradients, 45 (23%) said short slip roads at junctions, 8 (4%) said too many accesses, 4 (2%) said journey takes too long, 5 (2%) said unpredictable journey times with 70 (36%) saying poor safety record and 18 (9%) other issues. When questioned about the most important environmental aspects, 32 (16%) said wildlife, 28 (14%) wanted to avoid the National Trust land and Sites of Nature Conservation Importance, 25 (13%) considered landscaping to be the most important, 85 (43%) said noise, 17 (9%) said that pollution was of most concern and 9 (5%) said other issues, for example, lighting.
17. In response to the question, "Is it important to maintain access to the A23 at Slaugham Junction?" 33% requested the slip roads to be closed, 59% asked for a safer junction to be provided and 8% wanted a partial closure.
18. In response to the question about providing access to the commercial and residential properties via a service road, 88% of the respondents supported this with 10% against.
19. The responses from the local authorities and statutory environmental bodies generally supported the improvements although some had concerns about detailed aspects of the scheme. In addition, most supported retention of the Slaugham Road Junction but with an improved access. Many concerns were expressed about traffic diverting to less suitable routes during construction of the works and requested further discussion on ways to reduce this happening.

Ministers conclusions

20. The Minister has taken these views into account. He is satisfied that there is an urgent need to widen this section of the A23 and to improve the horizontal alignment to address the poor accident record and congestion currently experienced throughout the day particular at peak times. The widened road will bring much needed relief to users of this section of the A23 whilst providing safer access for properties along the route.
21. The Minister notes that while there is a consensus in favour of the improvement, there are some issues concerning aspects such as the access arrangements. He is satisfied that modifications made to the route since consultation have achieved the optimum balance between the various interests.
22. He is mindful of the very sensitive landscape of the area, of the need to protect the environment and the importance of minimising the impact of the widening. He assures the various interested parties that every effort will be made to resolve the outstanding issues which some parties have expressed on the environmental aspects and detailed traffic management arrangements. In particular he will encourage partnerships with interested parties to take place to address the various concerns.

The Next Step

23. The Preferred Route will now be protected from development in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988 (SI 1988 No 1813). Anyone whose property is blighted as a result and can satisfy the relevant requirements of the Town and Country Planning Act may serve a Blight Notice on the Minister requiring him to purchase the property.
24. Further design work on the Preferred Route will now be carried out including surveys before detailed proposals are published in Draft Orders under the Highways Act 1980. These draft orders will be open to objection and representation, and depending on the weight and nature of any objections. Public Inquiries may be held. The start of construction would depend on completion of the statutory procedures.
25. The next step will be to appoint a contractor to assist in the development of the scheme. This will allow the chosen firm to input innovation and buildability into the design and for that to be incorporated in the Draft Orders and Environmental Statement.