WORK on a major upgrade of Uckfield bus station which will improve facilities and increase capacity has started.
The site off Bell Lane will benefit from modern bus shelters with wireless charging points, enhanced real time information, improved street lighting and a new cycle shelter.
East Sussex County Council is working in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places, alongside Wealden District Council and Uckfield Town Council to improve the existing bus station.
The improvements are being funded through development contributions and the East Sussex Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Transforming the current bus station into a new mobility hub will improve connectivity between public transport services, making it easier for people to travel around the county and encouraging greater use of bus services.”
The scheme will also include a new loading bay, a new footpath and crossing points along the south side of Bell Walk and benches and planters. The new bus stop roofs will be planted with drought-tolerant plants that can help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.
Work started on Monday, August 5 and is expected to be completed by early October. The bus station will be closed for three weeks from Monday, August 12, and will be partially open for the remainder of the work. Temporary bus stops will be in operation in Bell Lane during the closures.
Cllr Dowling said: “On a scheme of this scale, disruption is inevitable, but our contractors are working hard to ensure that is kept to a minimum including using alternative materials that save time and reduce carbon emissions and carrying out multiple operations on the site at the same time.
“Our contractors have also organised work to avoid having any impact on two major Uckfield events – the carnival and bonfire procession and Weald in the Field.”
The project will also introduce new Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to better manage parking and vehicle movements in and around the bus station.
