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):
“Our work along South Road is continuing under two-way traffic lights, with completion planned for 31 October 2026. Meanwhile, we’ve secured 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 together, we can avoid having to close 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, we will need to carry out the work on Ersham Road in phases, including a road closure.
Phase one: Monday 5 October for one week – Temporary traffic lights on Ersham Road at the junction with Knights Garden.
Phase two: Tuesday 13 October to Sunday 1 November – Road closure on Ersham Road between the roundabout and Windsor Road.
Signed diversion routes will be in place, and access for residents will be maintained throughout. Bus routes will be affected during the road closure, so please contact your service provider before planning your journey.
We appreciate these works can be disruptive for residents, and we’re grateful for the patience and understanding of the local community. We’re working as quickly and as safely as we can to get the job done.”
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.