Motorists in parts of East Sussex are being advised to plan ahead as a series of short-term road closures have been confirmed for early 2026. East Sussex County Council has issued legal orders to allow essential utility works by three major service providers.
Confirmed Closure Dates and Affected Roads
The council has published a statutory notice detailing three separate closures to facilitate upgrades by South East Water, BT Openreach, and Network Rail. The notice appeared on the Public Notice Portal and was printed in the Kent & Sussex Courier on Friday, January 2, 2026.
The anticipated works windows are as follows:
- Buttons Lane, Wadhurst: Saturday, January 3, to Monday, January 5, 2026. Works are for Network Rail.
- Osmers Hill, Wadhurst: Wednesday, January 7, to Thursday, January 8, 2026. Works are for BT Openreach.
- Vineyard Lane, Ticehurst: Wednesday, January 21, to Friday, January 23, 2026. Works are for South East Water.
Specific Closure Details and Signed Diversions
Each closure has specific limits and signed diversion routes in place for through traffic. The council has emphasised that pedestrian access will be maintained via safe routes, and vehicular access for residents will be kept open where possible.
For Vineyard Lane in Ticehurst, the closure will run from the B2099 High Street to U6192 Burnt Lodge Lane. Traffic will be diverted via the B2099 High Street and U6192 Burnt Lodge Lane, operating two-way.
The Osmers Hill closure in Wadhurst extends from U7538 Woods Green to C539 Balaclava Lane. A longer diversion route will be in place, directing traffic via C272 Buckland Hill, C82 Bartley Mill Road, Monks Lane, C537 Monks Lane, B2100 Cousley Wood Road, and C539 Balaclava Lane.
On Buttons Lane, Wadhurst, the road will be shut between U7546 Scrag Oak Lane and U7546 Churchsettle Lane. The signed diversion will guide drivers along U7548 Brinkers Lane, Darbys Lane, B2099 Ticehurst Road, C214 Stonegate Road, and U7546 Churchsettle Lane.
Important Information for Residents and Drivers
Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, each legal order begins on its stated date and can remain in force for up to 18 months. This allows for unforeseen delays, but the council expects the physical works to be completed within the short windows listed, subject to weather and operational requirements.
Areas near the postcodes TN5 7LP and TN5 6QJ are likely to be affected. Residents or businesses who believe they may be adversely impacted, or who have specific access needs, are encouraged to contact the council for further details.
For the most current information, the public can telephone East Sussex County Council's Network Management team on 0345 60 80 193. The full statutory text remains available on the Public Notice Portal.
