A BROKEN down crane and roadworks is causing severe delays for drivers in two busy roads.

There is congestion and disruption to bus services on the A270 Lewes Road and the A27 as a result.

A Highways England spokesman said: "The A27 westbound in the Falmer area, approximately half-a-mile before the university turn off there is a 1,000 tonne crane broken down in lane one.

"Police have confirmed it will need repair where it has stopped so expect delays.

"We are awaiting arrival of specialists to repair it."

An AA spokesman warned drivers to expect "severe delays of 19 minutes on Falmer Hill westbound between the A27 (Falmer/Rottingdean Junction) and the A27 (Hollingbury/Ditchling junction)".

He also said there was slow traffic on the A27 stretching as far as Lewes.

The delays have also extended into the A270 Lewes Road.

A Brighton and Hove Buses spokesman said: "Due to the ongoing delays in Lewes Road and on the A27 at Falmer, we are now having to start and terminate all BH28, BH29, BH29B, BH29X journeys at Lewes Road Garage.

"One of our articulated vehicles is running a shuttle for affected customers from there to and from Old Steine."

Shortly after 4pm he added: "The Lewes Road situation continues to deteriorate.

"All BH22, BH24, BH26, BH48 and BH50U services are starting from and terminating at Old Steine."