Keynor Lane and Highleigh Road in Sidlesham Closure

Dear Stakeholder,

Please be advised both Keynor Lane and Highleigh Road in Sidlesham remain closed due to flooding.

It would appear Keynor Rife which is classified as a main river is currently in flood, and groundwater levels are high.

Given any highway drainage system is likely to discharge directly into the Rife then this limits our options as our jetter and tankers would be ineffective due to nature of flooding (essentially we cannot drain a river).

As you know there is a Primary School in Keynor Lane and we have been in contact with them and will continue to keep them informed.

Essentially Highleigh Road and Keynor Lane will remain closed for safety and additional signage will be provided shortly please see attached plan for details. Whilst it is not ideal, I have been informed Ham Road and Easton Lane are passable with care, as such the only option currently available is to utilise Ham Road and Easton Lane as the signed alternative to the school until such time as the flood water subsides.

We will be amending the signage shortly and have asked the school to communicate the diversion referred to parents and carers. We will continue to assess daily and will lift the closures as soon as it is safe to do so.

Whilst I am aware Easton Lane and Ham Lane are essentially single-track road with limited passing places this is currently our only option to maintain safe access to school. Whilst we will try and minimise disruption and work with the school to minimise impact due to the complex nature of this incident some disruption is to be expected, and we will continue to amend and evolve our contingency plans accordingly.

I would like to thank you for your understanding and will be providing further updates later this week.