Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 15 October (HL3031), whether (1) Highways England intend to pursue the infilling of Barcombe Bridge, (2) Highways England have completed design for the infilling, and (3) plans for such infilling are publicly available.

National Highways (formerly known as Highways England) have paused all plans to infill Barcombe Bridge. Future proposals for the structure will be considered in line with the highways authority (East Sussex County Council) and the local authority (Lewes District Council) taking into account any potential future use proposals.

All infilling work on the Historical Railways Estate, including Barcombe Bridge, has been paused. National Highways is reviewing its programme of works and seeking additional input through its newly created ‘Stakeholder Advisory Forum’ which comprises key stakeholders, with an interest in historical railways and active travel. This body will review all future National Highways maintenance proposals, ensuring future schemes take account of stakeholder feedback and opportunities to repurpose and re-use structures.