Stantec supports delivery of A27 East of Lewes scheme

Stantec, a global leader of sustainable design and engineering services, has supported VolkerFitzpatrick and National Highways in delivering the A27 East of Lewes Improvement Scheme. The project in East Sussex, which opened to the public in June 2023, is creating safer, more efficient, and more reliable journeys between West Firle and Polegate through better designed roads.

Previously, travellers on this stretch suffered from below-average journey times, and safety was a problem throughout the A27 corridor. Accidents and incidents were regular causes of long delays. There was also a lack of sufficient crossing points for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.

Stantec has been involved as the detailed design partner on the improvement scheme since June 2019. We worked closely with VolkerFitzpatrick and National Highways to address safety, capacity, sustainability, and accessibility issues as the project progressed.

As well as improving the layout of key junctions and providing new crossing points, the biggest addition to safety has been a new 13-kilometre shared use path for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders along the south side of the A27 between Firle and Polegate. The upgrade features a host of other environmental benefits, including thousands of new trees, creating habitats for wildlife, including dormice, great crested newts, and bats.

More trees have been planted in wet woodlands, creating habitats for frogs, toads, and rare birds, such as siskins. More than 3,500 metres of shallow swales are now preventing flooding on the road, while helping local wildlife flourish across the route. The Polegate Bypass has also been dualled to support quicker journey times.

Throughout the project, Stantec’s detailed design led to the development of roads, bridges, and civil structures, and the provision of geotechnical and environmental services. Stantec worked collaboratively with VolkerFitzpatrick and National Highways to confirm that the appropriate standards and requirements were met throughout the build. At all stages, Stantec actively managed risks and fed lessons back into the wider design team to drive efficiencies.

Stantec’s Director of Roads John Owens said: “These new junction improvements will make crossing the A27 so much safer and easier for all road users regardless of how they’re travelling. We’ve already had some great feedback from the cyclists and the wider community about the safety and sustainability benefits this project has brought to the area.

“Making sure the roads we design today cater to all users and enhance the environment should be a focus for everyone responsible.”

Alan Feist, programme leader for National Highways, added: “The feedback from users and local stakeholders is great, and the scheme is getting national attention around what can be achieved to support lower carbon travel. We’ve been delighted with the outcomes and the collaborative approach our delivery partners have taken through what has been a very challenging period for the construction industry.”

About Stantec
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We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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Media Contact                                               
Calum Metcalfe                                                            
Stantec UK Media Relations
calum.metcalfe@stantec.com