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Community & Residents

Roadworks & Traffic Information

SOUTH ROAD/DIPLOCKS WAY CLOSURE

An urgent gas main replacement project affecting South Road in Hailsham is currently being undertaken with significant road closures and traffic disruption expected over several months. SGN says the existing gas main has reached the age where permanent repairs are no longer feasible. The key dates and phases are listed further down this page (subject to change):

UPDATE FROM SGN – 19 AUGUST 2026

“The planned road closure on Diplocks Way was not implemented today as scheduled. Unfortunately, this delay is due to unforeseen challenges with the reinstatement works, which were not completed in time to allow Ropemakers to safely reopen.

The road closure on Diplocks Way will now commence at 6am on Friday 21 August and will remain in place for approximately three weeks.

We will continue to provide regular updates as the works progress, including details of upcoming phases, timings, and durations.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused by the delay and thank you for your patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.”

The following is a reminder of the planned phases.

Phase 1 – South Road (A295):

Phase Two: Diplocks Way/South Road/Ersham Roundabout:

  • Road closures and traffic lights.
  • Starts: 6am on Friday 21 August for a duration of five weeks.
  • Traffic Management: Diplocks Way will be closed for three weeks from Friday 21 August. It will then reopen for vehicles travelling in and out southbound only. South Road will be closed from Ersham Roundabout to the junction of Diplocks Way. South Road from Diplocks Way to Ersham Roundabout will be closed for the full five-week duration from 21 August. Ersham Roundabout from Friday 11 September for two weeks – temporary traffic light will be in place on Ersham Road.  These lights are essential to allow our engineers to install pipework across the roundabout into the north side of South Road.

Phase Three: South Road/Gordon Road:

  • Location: South Road and Gordon Road.
  • Traffic Management: Gordon Road closed at its junction with South Road.
  • Duration: Approximately four weeks.

Phase Four: Ersham Road (B2104)

  • Location: Junction of South Road to junction of Windsor Close.
  • Traffic Management: Ersham Road closed.
  • Duration: Approximately three weeks. We will need to return in 2027 to complete the remaining replacement work when road space allows.

During the closures:

  • No through traffic will be permitted past the closure points.
  • Signed diversion routes will be in place.
  • Resident and business vehicle access will be maintained where possible via diversion routes.
  • Pedestrian and cycle access will remain available. Bin collections are expected to continue as normal.

Bus Services Affected:

Always check with the relevant bus service provider before travelling. During the initial phases of work, the majority of the well-used bus routes will operate via the Hailsham by-pass and Diplocks Way to South Road. This arrangement applies to Brighton & Hove’s service 28, Stagecoach’s services 51 and 53 and Metrobus’s service 500.

Arrangements for Stagecoach’s service 52 are somewhat different as, coming from Dittons Wood, that will run via Stone Cross and the B2104 and thus into Hailsham on Ersham Road.

All services mentioned above will omit stops in South Road to the south-west of Diplocks Way.

Stagecoach, Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus already have the diversions described on their websites. Cuckmere Buses has also advised it will place information on its website and on social media to advise customers of diversion of its services which may be more varied than those of the main bus operators.

Further Updates:

The Town Council and our local county councillors receives weekly updates from SGN on Fridays via online meetings. Any relevant updates – including changes to timings, traffic management or access arrangements, will be posted on this page in due course.