Winter Cycling Tips

Keep warm

Thin layers are best, ideally with thermals, warm socks and gloves. An under-helmet hat is a good idea….

Consider Road positioning

The gutter is where the slush and ice accumulates, and driving by the kerb is not recommended in any weather. Cyclists are advised to ride in the primary (‘follow-me’) position or the secondary (‘pass me’) position.

Revisit your route & keep an eye on weather

You may need to replan your route if for example the roads are unlit, or don’t get gritted. And if the weather is really bad you may need to pick a different mode of transport.

Ash Dieback

Pictures show works in progress, a large ash tree suffering from ash dieback disease – removed from the side of the highway and the significant internal decay from the diseased tree.

WSCC are now into the felling season and ash dieback tree removal works are underway.

Scheduled works will be taking place at the following locations:

• A264 Five Oaks
• A22 Lewes Road, East Grinstead
• A2037 Henfield / Small Dole

Traffic management will be in place whilst we undertake essential works to the ash trees positioned along the highways edge that have succumbed to ash dieback disease. Natural regeneration will take place over the coming year.

Private landowners should look to have:

• any remedial works to ash trees undertaken during the winter months,
• check for tree preservation orders,
• check for conservation areas
• check whether there is a requirement for a felling licence.

For more information on ash dieback visit our webpage @ Ash dieback - West Sussex County Council

Extra guidance for homeowners and those with ash trees on their land is available @ https://treecouncil.org.uk/science-and-research/ash-dieback/public-guidance/

Natural regeneration after tree works have been completed

Planned Delivery Scheme Updates

Key local pedestrian route restored at Whites Bridge

The White Bridge Link a vital pedestrian route used by walkers and cyclists to cross the River Adur connecting the local communities of Steyning, Upper Beeding and Bramber closed in August 2023 has now been re-opened.

The White Bridge, which is owned by WSCC and is a public right of way, was originally built in 1903 but closed in August 2023 after a structural inspection found it to be in poor condition and beyond economic repair. Following this development work began in early 2024 to design and fund a new footbridge. This development was done in conjunction with the Environment Agency, Southern Gas Network, The White Bridge Link Project, Parish Councils and the landowners.

The works to re-open this link started in Mid-May 2025 to divert the existing gas main off the old bridge to under the River Adur, this was then followed by the removal of old bridge, construction of new foundation and new bridge lifted on 2 October funded by WSCC. The bridge replacement works were combined with funding from the Wilson Memorial Trust to complete outstanding footpath resurfacing works as part of the White Bridge Link project on the east side of the river, creating a sound, weather-proof pathway’ surface all the way between Steyning and Upper Beeding.

Aerial photograph showing the new birdge being placed

Opening ceremony – cutting of ribbon by Roger Potter - Chair White Bridge Link Project Steyning and District Community Partnership with Cllr Joy Dennis – WSCC Cabinet member for Highways and Transport.

WS Highways Utility Projects Update

This section provides updates on projects being carried out by utility companies across the West Sussex Highways Network.

Upcoming Gas Network Improvements in Bersted

Southern Gas Network will be carrying out essential works on North Bersted Street, Bersted, to fully replace the gas main and its connections to all residential properties. The project is scheduled to run from 5 January 2026 to 8 May 2026.

To facilitate these works, there will be a 24-hour road closure from the Royal Oak pub to the dead end outside number 82. These improvements are critical to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas supply.

Essential Power Network Upgrades in Crawley UK Power Networks is currently undertaking a project to replace underground electricity cables between Three Bridges and Fleming Way as part of our ongoing investment in the local electricity network. Installation of new electricity cables within the carriageway on Tinsley Lane from 8 September to 16 December 2025. To complete the work as quickly and safely as possible, a daytime road closure will be in place on Tinsley Lane between 08:30 and 18:30. Outside these hours, two-way traffic lights will be in operation. From 5 January 2026, works will move to Hazelwick Avenue (Northbound) with a road closure in place for approximately 6 weeks. This will be followed by temporary traffic lights from 16 February 2026 to 10 April 2026, operating between 08:00 and 18:00. If you have any specific concerns, you can contact our customer care team on 0800 028 4587 or care@ukpowernetworks.co.uk. Gas Replacement Works Scheduled in Chichester Gas main replacement works will commence on the A286 Birdham Road, Chichester, from 5 January 2026 and are expected to last approximately 10 weeks. The project will be carried out by Southern Gas Network under multi-way traffic lights. These essential works are necessary to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply for the community. If you need further information about these works, you can contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or alternatively you can call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, follow https://one.network/?GB145940789 Old Gas Pipes Replacement in Horsham Southern Gas Network will be replacing old pipes in Springfield Road, between St John the Evangelist and the Horsham United Reform Church, Horsham from Monday 5 January 2025 To ensure everyone's safety, Springfield Road will be closed to motorists between these two locations. Alternative access routes for affected properties, shops and businesses will be indicated with signage on the road. From Monday 26 January. The works will be carried out in the Albion Way area, Horsham. There will be lane closure in both direction and the works will be carried out in two phases lasting an approximate six weeks combined. Please click here if you need further information. You can also contact SGN Customer Service Team by email Customer@sgn.co.uk or call them on 0800 912 1700. For travel and route diversion, follow https://one.network/?GB146909796