NEW, high-tech traffic lights installed at a busy junction in Polegate have been switched on for the first time today (Wednesday, February 20).
The lights, in Eastbourne Road, were replaced by East Sussex Highways after a car crash last month destroyed the traffic light controller, which controls the phasing of the lights.
Engineers had to build a new controller from scratch, remove and replace the old traffic lights and install new ducting and cabling.
The work was completed in just over a month, despite a delay to the schedule of two days caused by heavy rain last week.
Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council lead member for transport and environment, said: “The lights were destroyed in a road traffic collision, and replacing the old lights and building a new controller was a very big and complex job.
“This kind of work would normally take around eight weeks, but our contractors have pulled out all the stops, meaning we’ve been able to complete the work in half that time.
“This is a very busy junction and although unfortunately these were circumstances beyond our control, we appreciate there has been some disruption and are grateful to motorists for their patience.
“The traffic lights at the junction now have the very latest technology available which should stand them in good stead for many years to come.”
Work on replacing the old lights began on Monday, February 4 2019. The road remained open throughout the work, but with temporary lights in place.
Information on current and forthcoming roadworks in East Sussex is available on the East Sussex Highways website at www.eastsussexhighways.com