Began in 2013, the Hastings to Bexhill link road connects the Queenway to the West of St Leonards and the A269 and Wrestwood Road in Bexhill. As with most new roads, the project has had its objectors. The road runs closely past four working farms, two sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), and a site of nature conservation importance (SNCI). A group of protesters attempted to slow the clearing of trees in January 2013.
The 3 mile road is largely obscured from surrounding views by means of cuttings and embankments. The southern end through Sidley area reuses a section of disused railway and over 20 houses and businesses premises were demolished along the A269 London Road to make way for a new junction with the A259.
As well as the road, bridleway, cycle paths and pedestrian footpaths, and numerous ponds and drainage ponds are being created alongside to form an enhanced and more accessible Combe Valley Countryside Park.
Final go ahead for the road was given by the government on 3rd April 2013, and was scheduled to be completed by summer 2015. The government is contributing over £50m to the £113m scheme.
Although a public vote chose to name the road 'Robert Wood Way', after a local soldier, the name 'Combe Valley Way', was chosen by Rother District Council councillors. Chosen to highlight the presence of the park and be clearer for emergency services.
For further detailed maps
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The road opened 17th December 2015.
Also see Combe Valley Way
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and the Geograph article
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See other images of Combe Valley Way (Hastings - Bexhill link road) construction