Government Confirms Go-Ahead for Exceat Bridge Replacement Scheme

Sharpe Pritchard LLP acted on behalf of East Sussex County Council in progressing a Compulsory Purchase Order (“CPO”), Side Roads Order and Bridge Scheme to enable the delivery of the Exceat Bridge Replacement Scheme, as confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport on 7 October 2025.

The confirmation of the CPO, together with the Side Roads Order and the Bridge Scheme, marks a major step forward for the long-awaited project to replace the ageing Exceat Bridge over the Cuckmere River in the South Downs National Park.

The scheme will enable the construction of a new two-lane bridge, replacing the existing Exceat Bridge, on the A259 near Seaford, improving safety and connectivity along this key route.

The new bridge will replace the existing single-lane structure, originally built in 1870, which has long been a major bottleneck on the busy coastal route.

Currently subject to long traffic queues, particularly during weekends and busy periods, and with vehicle numbers projected to rise significantly in the coming years, the replacement is considered crucial to enhance travel efficiency, road safety and regional links.

A major boost for transport, tourism, and the South Downs economy

Replacing the bridge will not only ease congestion but also support regional growth. The A259 is a critical link between Eastbourne and Seaford, connecting several coastal communities.

Improved infrastructure will enhance access to the South Downs National Park, support the goals of the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, and aid wider development plans across Eastbourne and South Wealden.

The new two-lane bridge will be built alongside the existing one, allowing traffic to continue flowing throughout construction.

Scheduled to begin in spring 2026, the project includes:

• Realignment of the road and surrounding embankments
• Creation of new public rights of way and access routes
• Installation of traffic calming measures
• A combined footway and cycleway, significantly improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists
• A dedicated habitat area to support local biodiversity
• Improved air quality by reducing pollution from idling traffic
• Better access for public transport, encouraging more sustainable travel

Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Environment, welcomed the decision saying:

“We have been working to address the bottleneck created by the existing one-lane bridge for many years, and I am delighted that the Secretary of State’s decision means we can move ahead. This is a huge project that will make a real difference – reducing journey times, improving accessibility, and benefiting both residents and visitors.”

Government support and next steps

The project has already secured Government Levelling Up funding and East Sussex County Council reaffirmed its financial commitment in April 2025 to delivering the two-lane design.

Following a three-day public inquiry and consideration of objections, the Inspector appointed for the Inquiry recommended approval of the  two Orders and the Bridge Scheme –  a recommendation now accepted by the Secretary of State for Transport.

With the legal powers now in place to deliver the Scheme, the Council will move forward with appointing a contractor, with the award expected in December 2025 and construction scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said:

“Confirming the Exceat Bridge scheme will help unlock the A259 corridor, improve journeys, and provide better access to the Seven Sisters Country Park. We are committed to supporting infrastructure that puts communities first and drives regional growth.”

Meyric Lewis KC, who was instructed by the Sharpe Pritchard team of Aidan Dickinson, Rachel Hey, Andrew Swaffer and Francesca Gallagher, appeared on behalf of the Council at the public inquiry.