Work to begin on new aquarium junction

Work will begin in early January on a new traffic light-controlled junction at the former Aquarium roundabout, linking the seafront with Valley Gardens as part of Phase 3 of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Valley Gardens project. The new junction will remove the existing roundabout and replace it with modern traffic lights connected to nearby […]

Work will begin in early January on a new traffic light-controlled junction at the former Aquarium roundabout, linking the seafront with Valley Gardens as part of Phase 3 of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Valley Gardens project.

The new junction will remove the existing roundabout and replace it with modern traffic lights connected to nearby signals using the latest smart technology. This will help improve traffic flow, especially during busy periods, while creating safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

New pavements and dedicated crossings will make it easier and safer to travel between the seafront, Palace Pier, and the city centre.

Construction has been scheduled for January as it is traditionally the quietest time of year for traffic and visitors. The junction will remain open during the day, but there will be overnight road closures from 8pm for two weeks starting Tuesday 6 January.

Diversions will be in place and may change nightly. Buses will be rerouted via West Street and the seafront, while vehicles travelling west on the A259 from the east will be diverted via Edward Street. Drivers are advised to consider alternative routes during daytime works as the area may be busier than usual.

Council officers will be available to answer questions at Jubilee Library on Thursday 8 January from 4pm to 6pm and Wednesday 21 January from 3pm to 4.45pm.

Phase 3 of the Valley Gardens project began in November and is due to be completed next summer. Work so far includes road resurfacing around Old Steine, Castle Square and Pavilion Parade, the creation of new pavements, pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes, and the development of new public spaces near the Royal Pavilion, Royal Albion Hotel and the war memorial.

Once complete, Valley Gardens 3 will provide improved access for pedestrians and cyclists, better public transport links, new landscaping and trees, and upgraded outdoor spaces for events.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said the new junction would make the area safer and easier to use for everyone, while smart traffic technology would help keep vehicles moving with minimal disruption during the works.