£1m subway opened

£1m subway opened

Access to the University of Sussex campus will be safer

A £1m underpass has been opened in Sussex to provide a safe crossing under a major road.

The subway under the A27 at Falmer, near Brighton, will make it easier for students at the University of Sussex and local residents to reach Falmer railway station and local bus services.

Transport minister John Spellar had been due to unveil the crossing, but was unable to attend.

Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth cancelled a planned protest when it was heard the minister would not be present.

Call for public transport

Anti-roads campaigners had intended to greet Mr Spellar with placards calling for the government to invest in public transport rather than more roads along the south coast.

The government is due to decide within weeks whether or not to approve road schemes proposed for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty further along the A27.

The subway replaces an underpass built in 1965 which became impractical after work to strengthen the ceiling reduced its size.

The new tunnel, which is wider, includes a cycle path and has CCTV and extra lighting to improve safety, as well as a colour scheme for the tiles chosen by the university.

Highways Agency route manager Ing Fischer said: "The new subway is a real benefit to the local community, providing as it does a safe alternative to crossing the A27 and improved links with local public transport."