Chichester is facing a period of significant travel disruption as multiple major roadwork projects converge on the city’s primary routes and city centre throughout the autumn.
The most substantial disruption is expected on Stockbridge Road, which will be subject to a seven-week closure starting in October. This coincides with ongoing overnight works on the A27 bypass and digital infrastructure upgrades within the city’s historic core.
Stockbridge Road Closure and Gas Main Replacement
SGN is set to begin Phase 1 of an essential gas main replacement project on 10 October 2026.
To facilitate this, Stockbridge Road will be fully closed from the A27 roundabout to the junction with Grosvenor Road. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately seven weeks.
While the road will be closed to through-traffic, all local businesses and shops within the closure zone will remain open. Access for customers and deliveries is being maintained via the Grosvenor Road end of the works. There will be no access for the general public into Stockbridge Road from the A27 bypass during this period.
To ensure public safety and operational access, 24-hour gatekeepers will be stationed at the A27 entrance to Stockbridge Road. Their primary role is to maintain immediate access for emergency service vehicles.
Following the completion of Phase 1, SGN plans to move to Phase 2 on 30 November 2026. This stage will focus on Birdham Road, specifically the section between The Meadows and Strides Court.
A27 Bypass and City Centre Improvements
Commuters using the A27 Chichester bypass are also navigating a series of overnight closures. National Highways is currently resurfacing four major roundabouts: Stockbridge, Whyke, Bognor, and Fishbourne. These works are scheduled to continue until approximately 8 October 2026, with closures active between 8pm and 6am.
Closer to the city centre, West Sussex County Council is completing a resurfacing programme on Market Avenue, Canal Wharf, and the Southgate Link. These works began on 28 September and are scheduled to conclude by 5 October 2026.
Simultaneously, a large-scale mobile network project is moving through Chichester’s main shopping streets. This project involves significant digging to install new infrastructure.
The schedule for the remaining city centre network works is as follows:
- East Street: Works commenced 28 September.
- North Street: Work scheduled to begin 5 October.
- South Street: Work scheduled to begin 16 November.
All city centre network projects are currently estimated to be completed by 13 December 2026, ahead of the peak Christmas week. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to allow extra time for journeys across the city while these various infrastructure projects overlap.
