Brighton: Traffic as Royal Albion demolition closes A259

Traffic built up across Brighton and Hove as motorists were forced to take alternative routes when crossing the city as the seafront road is shut while demolition work at the Royal Albion hotel takes place.

Kings Road and Grand Junction Road, leading up to the Aquarium Roundabout, have been closed for almost 12 days after the Royal Albion hotel caught fire on the evening of Saturday, July 15.

Drivers are fed up with the traffic (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Cars have been forced to go inland, using the Old Steine, North Road and Seven Dials as alternative routes to cross the city.

This has led to huge tailbacks in both directions as the smaller roads struggle to cope with the increased traffic.

The seafront road is fenced off entirely while cranes and diggers work to tear down the dangerous burnt-out building.

Construction workers are taking the role of traffic marshals (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

But there are hopes for the traffic to ease as a spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "Pool Valley and part of the A259 is expected to remain closed for the next 3 weeks.

"We hope to open the A259 westbound next week."

Drivers are being advised to use routes such as the A270, through the Old Shoreham Road and Lewes Road to avoid the area. Diversion signs have been installed.