Horsham District Transport Strategy (2022 – 2036)

The Draft West Sussex Transport Plan (2022-2036) outlines the current transport networks within West Sussex and the potential aspirations for future changes and needs. Every district has short, medium and long term changes outlined for all modes of transportation.

Horsham District is a large district within West Sussex. Most of the district is rural include parts within the South Downs National Park, however the district does contain a few towns. The Largest town is Horsham along with its nearby towns and villages of Bracebridge Heath, Southwater & Mannings Heath. Other towns in the district are Steyning & Billingshurst along with the villages of Henfield, Storrington & Pulborough.

Horsham District’s road network is fairly sufficient with 4 Primary Routes; A24, A264, A272 & A283. The A24 heading North to South through the centre of the district connecting to Worthing. The A24 is mostly a dual carriageway except North of Horsham where it runs on an unimproved section of its original route. A264 runs East to West connecting to Crawley to Horsham with a dual carriageway before becoming a single carriageway towards Billingshurst. The A272 heads East to West across the district, the A272 is entirely single carriageway and mostly runs on its original alignment except the new bypass at Billingshurst. The A283 is also a primary route and connects the A24 to the A27 via Steyning. The A283 is entirely single carriageway although much of it has been bought to a suitable standard. Other roads include the A29 & A281 which connect the rest of the towns and villages togeather.

Horsham is served by two railways. The Arun Valley Line runs in a South Westerly direction from the Brighton Mainline at Three Bridges to the West Coastway Line near Littlehampton via Horsham, Billingshurst & Pulborough. The Sutton and Mole Valley Line connects to the Arun Valley Line at Horsham and goes North towards London via Leatherhead.

Issues Highlighted by plan

1. Congestion on the A24 during peak periods
2. Congestion on the A264 during peak periods
3. Congestion on the A272 during peak periods
4. Rat-running on less suitable routes to avoid congestion
5. Traffic-related air quality management areas in Storrington and Cowfold
6. Unreliable rail service to London
7. Poor access to the railawy from settlements away from rail lines
8. Bus journey times are slow, and punctuality is affected at peak times due to congestion
9. Cycle network is primary on highway, is discontinuous and indirect and does not meet user needs
10. Severance caused by the A24 and Arun Valley and Mole Valley Lines

Short term priorities (2022-2027)

1. Bus priority at signal controlled junctions
2. Bus and rail interchange improvements
3. Flexible shared transport services / rural mobility
4. Mobility hubs
5. Active Travel infrastructure “quick wins”
6. On-street electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Horsham, Billingshurst, Colgate, Pulborough, Rusper, Storrington & Southwater.
7. Small scale “tactical” highway improvments
8. Horsham to Crawley cycle route
9. Air Quality Action Plan measures in Storrington and Cowfold

Medium term priorities (2027 – 2032)

1. Enhanced bus priority in Horsham
2. A24 junction improvements
3. North – South sustainable transport corridor connecting key settlements such as Worthing, Horsham & Crawley
4. LCWIP Priorities
5. Pedestrian and cycle crossings infrastructure on the A24
6. On-street electric vehicle change infrastructure in remaining areas

Long term priorities (2032 – 2036)

1. Potentially local highway capacity enhancements (subject to need)
2. LCWIP priorities
3. Implement scheme for A264 from study recommendations

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