Washington roundabout safety works to last more than five weeks

Safety improvement works at the Washington Roundabout are set to take more than five weeks, with changes planned to speed limits, road markings and signage. The scheme was due to start today (Monday January 5) but may be delayed due to snow fall north of the downs.

Once started, the works are expected to continue until Friday February 13, with the aim of reducing the collision risk at the busy junction linking two major A roads.

During the first week, work will take place on the A283 during off peak hours between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday to Friday, with temporary traffic signals in operation. From January 12, the remaining work will move to the A24 and will be carried out overnight under lane closures.

The improvements include a new 30mph speed limit on the roundabout and short sections of its approaches, a buffer 50mph limit on the A24 approaches, visibility fencing, new give way signs and markings, and partially concentric circulatory road markings. The scheme follows the identification of the roundabout as a collision risk site, with 37 collisions recorded between May 2019 and April 2024, and is expected to cost almost £200,000.