A VITAL bridge is "set to be completed on time" despite work being stalled by storms and the coronavirus pandemic.

East Sussex County Council said the Newhaven Port Access Road is still on track to be built by autumn.

Construction of the bridge over the Seaford to Newhaven railway line is well under way after 500 tonnes of steel beams were delivered under police escort earlier this year.

Council economy chief Councillor Rupert Simmons said the project had faced major obstacles in the form of storms Ciara and Dennis and the coronavirus pandemic.

The Argus: East Sussex County Council says the port access road will boost the town's economyEast Sussex County Council says the port access road will boost the town's economy

But he said builders had done “everything they can to overcome them”.

“There is still some way to go before the road is complete,” Cllr Simmons said. “But construction of the bridge deck is a major step in this hugely important scheme which will act as a catalyst for regeneration and create much-needed jobs for people in the area.”

A 1,100-tonne crane is installing the bridge beams, some as long as six buses.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set u p to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund