VolkerFitzpatrick carried out the project in two-phases on behalf of West Sussex County Council. The scope involved widening the existing single carriageway to form a dual carriageway and various junction improvements to increase capacity and accommodate the new dualled approaches.

To enable more active travel in the area, the company also provided new pathways and cycleways spanning 2km.

Cllr Joy Dennis, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, officially opened the improvements by cutting a ribbon on the cycle route. Cllr Dennis said: “This multi-million-pound improvement scheme provides an essential key to unlock many long-term benefits in the area for residents, visitors and local businesses. People can now travel more freely through this important area of the county, north of Littlehampton. This project aligns with one of the key aims in West Sussex County Council’s “Our Council Plan” , which is to help create a sustainable and prosperous economy.

“I would like to thank all road users, residents and local businesses for their patience while these complex improvement works were ongoing.”

Deon Scholtz, Infrastructure Director for the scheme’s principal contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “We were delighted to have been selected to work with West Sussex County Council on this hugely significant scheme.

“Our teams have vast knowledge and experience in highway improvements and were able to plan work logistically to help minimise disruption. Now complete, the improved route is more reliable, reducing journey times and providing capacity for future traffic growth and we would like to thank the people of West Sussex and the surrounding area for their patience while we completed this important scheme."

The business engaged with the local community and worked with a nearby special educational needs primary school, ensuring noisy activities were conducted outside of school hours to avoid unnecessary disturbance. Local supply chain contractors were hired, providing employment opportunities over the course of the project and work experience placements and apprenticeships were also arranged.