West Sussex planners have called for a showdown meeting over why ministers blocked proposed improvements to the A27.
Bypasses at Arundel and Worthing were rejected by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling earlier this month.
West Sussex cabinet member for strategic environmental services Lt Col Tex Pemberton said transport improvements were essential to help the local environment and for a prosperous future.
He said: "I have asked my strategic director to have urgent meetings with the Department for Transport, the Highways Agency and the Government Office for the South East.
"We will be seeking answers to such questions as what were the environmental arguments? What are the alternative solutions for Arundel and when will this further work be done? And what improvements can be achieved at Worthing, building on recent steps?
"I have asked the Secretary of State if he will meet with me subsequent to his department's answers to these questions."
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