Work is progressing on transforming a coastal roundabout into a controlled crossroads.
This year, teams began breaking down the aquarium roundabout near Brighton’s seafront and are building a replacement junction in its place.
The scheme forms the third phase of the Valley Gardens scheme, which began in November with a summer completion target.
Currently, operatives are building new traffic islands while temporary traffic lights have been erected to handle vehicle movements.
The scheme’s third phase is approaching its final months.
Residents received notice earlier this month to expect delays as the temporary signals operate differently from those intended for the finished junction.
Councillor Trevor Muten, the transport portfolio holder at Brighton and Hove City Council, posted on social media to thank the public for their patience and provided work updates.
He explained that the temporary lights do not function as the permanent junction will, while acknowledging the travel difficulties the construction is causing drivers.
He expressed appreciation for residents’ tolerance while encouraging those who can to use alternative routes.
In footage published on April 21, Cllr Muten began by thanking residents for their cooperation during the work. He noted that the public had been informed about potential traffic delays and that queuing in one or two directions could occur during peak hours.
He mentioned visiting the site daily throughout the week and traveling through the junction by bus, car, and on foot multiple times. According to him, traffic is generally flowing, and during his car journey the previous day at rush hour, they progressed through in just a couple of signal changes.
Night-time closures in the area started on Sunday, April 19, which Cllr Muten explained are necessary for laying cables for new signals and utilities, along with completing resurfacing work.
Diversions are operating during these times and coastal buses are being redirected via Edward Street.
Construction is taking place overnight.
Cllr Muten continued by describing this phase as a crucial element of the Valley Gardens transformation that will create an excellent public space and significantly improve safety at this junction for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
He noted that previously a roundabout existed here with traffic lights on every exit lacking any real coordination, so when it became congested it really became blocked. He explained that once they install the signalized junction and get everything operational and properly timed, they will be able to manage that flow, give priority to buses, and examine how they can manage traffic queues.
He also described the scheme as the jewel in the crown of the city.
The Valley Gardens project has delivered numerous enhancements to the area such as road resurfacing, creation of new public spaces and cycle paths, renewed pavements and pedestrian crossings, plus initial building of a fresh public area between the Royal Pavilion and war memorial.
Once finished, council officers anticipate the scheme will offer better access for pedestrians, cyclists, and visitors, new accessible public areas, improved public transport links, trees and soft landscaping, plus sustainable outdoor infrastructure for events.
The new crossroads will include upgraded pavements and separate crossings, with the roundabout removed alongside the separate traffic lights currently operating independently on each entry road.