Greggs drive-through works cause 'nightmare' delays

The construction of a Greggs at a service station on a major trunk road is causing an "absolute nightmare" with queues of more than an hour during peak times, people in Sussex have said.

Queues have been building up on the A27 between Falmer and Lewes as work is carried out to build the bakery at the Esso Rontec Service Station.

Last Tuesday, when Chelsea was playing Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, some drivers said it took two hours to do what was normally a five-minute journey.

Contractors Landbuild apologised for disruption from work to lengthen slip roads but said they were not involved in the project at Greggs. Greggs and Rontec have been approached for comment.

Mike, a lorry driver from Chichester, described the queues as an "absolute nightmare", and told BBC Radio Sussex his journey took an extra 40 minutes.

James Young, from Seaford, said he contacted his local MP because the work was having a "catastrophic" effect on pupils at Northease Manor School for pupils with special needs.

He said children in the middle of exams were arriving after spending up to 40 minutes sitting in traffic, adding: "What I want to know is why couldn't they wait?

"What is the urgency of a Greggs drive-through that they couldn't wait until the summer holidays when kids have finished their GCSEs?"

The work involves lengthening slip roads to the service station and improving the combined pedestrian and cycle lane, with disruption expected to continue until 15 May.

Mark Windus, chief executive at Landbuild, said lane closures were needed to ensure safety of the workforce and the 50mph speed reduction was required to ensure the temporary barrier system performed correctly in the event of an accident.

Work was being carried out seven days a week and overnight, he said.

A National Highways spokesman said the work was being carried out by a third party, adding: "Safety is our top priority. The lane closure and temporary 50mph speed limit at this location have been introduced to protect both road workers and those travelling on the A27."

He advised people to plan ahead by checking their route before travelling and allowing extra time.

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