Work worth £3 million to improve the area surrounding a railway station has begun.

Worthing Railway Approach and Cross Street will have new paving, additional trees and plants, additional seating and wider paving and crossing points.

A contraflow cycle lane will be introduced along Railway Approach and Cross Street serving westbound cyclists and a raised table and crossing at the junction with Railway Approach will be created to increase pedestrian safety.

Additional bike racks and a hub for bike hire will also be included.

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The improvements are due to be completed by the end of the year and access to and from the station will remain open throughout construction with access routes temporarily adjusted as work progresses. Access will also be maintained along Victoria Road, Oxford Road and Railway Approach but lane restrictions and pedestrian and cycle re-routing will be required to allow phased construction of the works.

The project is part of  West Sussex County Council and Worthing Borough Council’s partnership Growth Programme.

Councillor Joy Dennis, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Alongside the Railway Approach improvements we are also undertaking improvements to Cross Street. These improvements are being delivered as part of the active travel programme’s £2.2 million of investment in West Sussex, these works will promote active travel through cycling and walking improvements.”