THE CONTRACTOR tasked with building a new bridge that will help improve traffic flow on a busy East Sussex route has been announced.

East Sussex County Council have awarded the contract for the new two-lane structure at Exceat to Jackson Civil Engineering Group.

The company, experienced in bridge and highways projects, will work with the county council to set a timescale for construction.

Cllr Claire Dowling said: “With the bridge sitting in the middle of the South Downs National Park, it was important to bring on board an experienced contractor who can carry out the work sensitively, and I am delighted with the appointment of Jackson Civil Engineering Group.

“The appointment means we can move forward to construction of the bridge, which has been many years in the planning.”

The current one-lane bridge, which is ageing and requires extensive repairs, has been a pinch point on the key coastal route between Seaford and Eastbourne for many years.

The new two-lane bridge will help ease congestion and reduce journey times, and the improved footways will enhance accessibility for visitors to the area.

The project is being funded by £19.18million from the UK Government and money from the county council’s capital budget.

With the Secretary of State’s decision to confirm legal orders necessary to build the new bridge and pre-construction work underway, preparation for construction work is expected to begin in the spring.

Cllr Dowling added: “This scheme is vital in improving travel times and reliability across our travel network, which will support economic growth in the county.

“A great deal of work has taken place to get this to stage, and I look forward to seeing the scheme progress and the new bridge start to take shape.”

Regular updates on the scheme will be posted on Timeline of activities to date | The Exceat Bridge | live.eastsussexhighways.com