The DfT has agreed to provide £56.85m to the local authority scheme.
When Hochtief and Vinci were awarded the contract in 2009, work was expected to start in 2010 and complete by the end of 2012.
However, the scheme was delayed by the 2010 spending review implemented by the coalition government on its election. It has also been the subject of challenges – both legal and direct – from protesters, several dozen of whom had to be removed from the site by bailiffs in January.
Completion is now set for 2015.
Under the scheme East Sussex County Council will construct a 3.5 mile (6km) single carriageway road between the A259 in Bexhill and the B2092 Queensway in Hastings. As well as improving accessibility between the two towns, the road will allow the development of northeast Bexhill – up to 2,000 homes and a business park are planned.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This scheme will kick start economic regeneration in a deprived area of the south east and tackle problems of accessibility between the towns of Bexhill and Hastings. It will open up 52,000 sqm of land in north east Bexhill for business development and housing and creating new jobs.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
