A countryside watchdog has welcomed plans to modernise a notorious traffic bottleneck.

The Sussex Downs Conservation Board had objected to building a larger bridge over the Beddingham level crossing, near Lewes, and dualling the A27 on either side.

Transport minister Tony McNulty recently said a new single-carriageway bridge would be built at the crossing.

He ruled out dualling that part of the main Lewes to Eastbourne road.

The crossing has been causing long tailbacks and some drivers resorted to weaving between the barriers rather than waiting for a train to pass.

Phil Belden, the board's countryside manager, said the original plans could have caused congestion elsewhere and would have had too great an impact on the South Downs.

He said: "We welcome the minister's decision, supporting our concerns and insisting on retaining the existing single-carriageway road.

"We now call on the highways authorities to look at the bigger picture and provide a modern and holistic plan for the area.

"Greater thought needs to be given to wider and more sustainable integrated transport solutions. Traffic-calming measures should be paramount."

Mr McNulty said improvements were essential to improve safety for road and rail users.

The level crossing is in the Sussex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty and within the proposed South Downs national park.

Construction of the £19 million bridge is expected to start next year.

Thursday April 01, 2004