An urgent gas main replacement project affecting South Road in Hailsham is currently being undertaken with significant road closures and traffic disruption. 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):
Road Closure: Ersham Road, Hailsham
5 October to 31 October 2026 – Gas Main Replacement
“Our contractors have been successful in resourcing an additional specialist team to carry out the essential gas main replacement work required on Ersham Road at the same time as the ongoing work on South Road.
By completing these works at the same time, we can avoid returning to Ersham Road at a later date, reducing the overall disruption to the local community.
Due to the location of the gas pipes within the road, temporary traffic management and a road closure will be required.
The work will be delivered in two phases:
Phase One: 5 October for one week
Phase Two: 12 October to 31 October
What this means for residents and road users
Bus Services updates
Bus routes will be affected during the road closure. Please contact your service provider for the latest service updates and allow extra time when planning your journey.
“Stagecoach’s 1B bus service will not be able serve Ersham Road when this road is closed. The 1B is expected instead to run on a revised route between Hailsham, Stone Cross and Langney. Information will be available on Stagecoach’s website nearer the time. www.stagecoachbus.com
Passengers to and from Ersham Road will be able to book Flexibus during the time of the Ersham Road closure. Flexibus will offer opportunities to connect with buses at Langney shopping centre or Hailsham town centre. Flexibus is available between 7am and 7pm on weekdays, subject to availability.
Bookings can be made up to 7 days in advance. For booking availability call 01273 078203 between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information on the Flexibus demand responsive transport service including how to book, please visit www.flexibus.gov.uk.
South Road, Hailsham
Our gas main replacement work on South Road will continue under two-way temporary traffic lights, with completion currently planned by 31 October 2026.”
The following is a reminder of the remaining/other planned phases.
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.
Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus services are currently being diverted and are not able to serve Gordon Road, Ropemaker Park or
Ingrams Way. Please use Hailsham Police Station for buses towards Eastbourne or Hailsham Tesco in North Street for buses towards Brighton.
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.
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.