Crossing identified as safety improvement at site of fatal crash on A281 Downs Link

Pathu Sutharsan was taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride when he was fatally hit by an HGV truck on the Downs Link route in Rudgewick in 2020.

Pathu, an architecture student and Sri-Lankan musician, was cycling in aid of children affected by the civil war in Yemen when he died.

Since the fatal crash at the crossing on the A281 Downs Link West Sussex County Council has completed a series of improvements including the instalment of new signs, warning motorists of the crossing point.

Pathu Sutharsan died in a crash at the junction

Wooden guard barriers on the Downs Link access ramps have also since been installed, while vegetation has been cleared to improve visibility.

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Since then, consultants have identified a Pegasus crossing – a signalised crossing designed for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders – as a potential option for improving road safety for all.

Joy Dennis, council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Road safety is a top priority for the council, and we believe these measures significantly reduce the risk of a similar accident happening again. But we want to go much further than what’s already been put in place.

“We commissioned a consultant’s report to consider what other measures could be taken, which we have been discussing with the charity Sustrans.”

Three options were considered - a bridge, a Pegasus crossing or a traffic island.

The island has been ruled out because there is insufficient land to accommodate one at the site.

“The initial estimated cost for a bridge is approximately £2 million. It is difficult to make a case for a bridge when that same level of funding could pay for other, multiple improvement schemes around the county and when a Pegasus crossing would provide similar benefits for local communities and everyone using the Downs Link,” Joy added.

“Given the traffic island is not feasible, our approach will be to continue investigations into the Pegasus crossing, which has an initial, estimated cost of approximately £600,000.”

The crossing would comprise an on-road signalised crossing, with adjustment to the Downs Link access ramps, the council said.

The work would allow for much-enhanced safety when crossing the road and would look for options to improve accessibility to the Downs Link for everyone, including pedestrians, people who cycle, wheelchair users and equestrians, the council said.

Over the coming months, the council will continue to work in partnership with Sustrans and will carry out feasibility studies, such as topographic and ecology surveys, to define the full scope of works required.

This will lead to a refinement of the design and cost estimates and allow both the council and Sustrans to determine next steps.

More information about the Downs Link is available on the council website.