A259 Corridor

The busy coast road corridor through the village, carrying traffic and providing connections but dividing the community.

The A259 runs through the centre of Fishbourne, dividing Old Fishbourne to the south from New Fishbourne to the north. The road corridor is the most visible and audible feature of the village, carrying constant traffic between Chichester and the western harbour villages. The section through Fishbourne includes the roundabout junction with Fishbourne Road, the bus stops, and the approach to the Roman Palace. Commercial activity along the road is limited, but the traffic volume gives this corridor a busier, more urban character than the quiet lanes to the north and south. The A259 is both the village's connection to the outside world and its main source of complaint. Traffic speed, noise, and the difficulty of crossing on foot are persistent issues raised at parish council meetings. The road divides the village in a way that is felt daily by residents who need to cross between the two halves. Despite the traffic, the A259 corridor provides practical benefits. The road connects Fishbourne to Chichester in one direction and to Bosham, Emsworth, and Havant in the other. The bus stops along the road provide public transport access, and the proximity to the A27 junction makes the village well connected by road.