Highway England (HE) in the UK has unveiled plans to construct a bypass along the A27 via Arundel in order to improve the journeys of drivers travelling through this region.

As part of its plan, HE has put forward three road upgrade options valued between £135m and £260m.

Two proposed options emphasise the creation of new routes from the A27 to the south of the town, while the third option proposes widening the A27 mostly along its current route.

The implementation of the first option will create a new dual carriageway from the Crossbush junction, passing to the south-west of Arundel railway station, which will be reconnected to the existing A27 east of Ford Road.

"We are committed to delivering the improvements responsibly and have developed our proposals with the environment very much in mind."

The second option includes the construction of a dual-carriageway from the Crossbush junction, south of the current A27 that will rejoin the A27 at a new junction near Havenwood Park.

The third option proposes a new dual-carriageway following the same route between the Crossbush junction and Ford Road.

HE programme manager Valerie Stephens said: “The single-carriageway A27 through Arundel has been a missing link in the road network for decades.

“Now, major improvements are finally within reach. People’s input will be vital in finding the right way forward, and I encourage anyone with an interest in the A27 to get involved, whether they’re commuters, or live nearby, depend on it for business or to keep in touch with friends and family or use it to access one of the many leisure destinations along the south coast.

“Arundel has a special environment and a unique cultural heritage and, while building any new road will have an impact, we are committed to delivering the improvements responsibly and have developed our proposals with the environment very much in mind.

“Again, people’s ideas about how we can protect and enhance the environment are very welcome indeed.”

The project is one of three improvements for the A27 being taken forward by HE, which includes road upgrades between Worthing and Lancing, as well as to the east of Lewes.

The scheme will receive funding through the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) £15bn Roads Investment Strategy.

HE will carry out proposal consultations until 16 October.