Alex Skinner (Community and Communications Manager for VolkerFitzpatrick) has issued a statement regarding the opening of the Ash Road Bridge. The statement explains that the date for the opening of the bridge cannot be announced until both Network Rail and Surrey County Council (SCC) have completed their processes to ensure it is safe. Once opened, the bridge will initially be opened for only light vehicles, but not heavy goods Vehicles (HGVs). HGVs will be required to follow a 16-mile diversionary route via the A331 and A31. HGVs will be permitted after Phase 5 is completed, which will not commence until the new year (2025). The statement also includes answers to frequently asked questions, which is also published on the Guildford Borough Council website.

Ash Road Bridge project 29 November 2024

The Ash Road Bridge project is important because the closure of the level crossing will improve safety for local residents and users of Ash train station. It will also reduce traffic congestion in the area. It will also provide much needed new connectivity for the new homes being developed in the local area.

To open the bridge, Network Rail and Surrey County Council need to ensure it is safe, complies with regulations and get all the necessary paperwork in place. Some of these actions are taking longer than anticipated. Our goal is to work closely with Network Rail and Surrey County Council so that the bridge opens before road closures are needed. We will update our website with the latest information on a regular basis.

Q&As

When will the bridge open?

• The bridge can’t open until both Network Rail and Surrey County Council have signed it off as safe and compliant and all the necessary paperwork is in place.

• We are working closely with Network Rail and Surrey County Council to make sure all the necessary sign offs are in place.
• As soon as we receive these approvals, the bridge will open to cars and light vehicles.
• HGVs will not use the bridge until Phase 5 is complete.

When will Phase 5 begin?

• Phase 5 works include:
  • Full depth road construction of the section of Ash Church Road between the level crossing and Britten Close
  • Utility diversions: gas and electricity
  • Surface water drainage
  • Street lighting installation
  • Street furniture installation
  • Block paving
  • Kerbs and edgings

• Network Rail presented VolkerFitzpatrick (VFL) with a further list of requirements related to working safely close to the railway on Wednesday 20 November.
• VFL requires up to two weeks to submit the proposals for these requirements and then Network Rail has a discretionary 23 days to review the proposals.
• Given these new requirements, Phase 5 will not commence until the New Year. Specific dates will be publicised once confirmed.

Does Phase 5 need to be completed before the bridge can open?

• No, the opening of the bridge is not reliant on Phase 5 works being completed.
• However, only cars and light vehicles will be able to use the bridge until Phase 5 is completed.

If Network Rail issued a further list of requirements and we knew it would take a number of weeks, why did we issue comms to close the level crossing?

• At that point the update was issued last week, and we had agreed an alternative diversion.

When will the Surrey County Council and Network Rail sign-off be received?  If this is all that is required, why can the bridge not open as soon as this is received?

• We have agreed dates from Surrey County Council and Network Rail to visit the site and approve the bridge for opening. As soon as this is received, the bridge will open.

Has the 16-mile HGV diversion been approved by Surrey County Council?

• We are holding talks with Surrey County Council to confirm the diversion routes.

What diversions will be in place and when?

• This is unknown at present.
• We had a diversion route approved with permits issued which has now been revoked by Surrey County Council.

• We are in dialogue with Surrey County Council to agree new diversion routes and we will work with Surrey County Council to inform residents once a decision has been taken.

Will HGVs be diverted even when the bridge opens?

• Yes
• The diversion is a 16-mile route using the A331 and the A31 (diagram below) will be in place for the duration of Phase 5, around 8 to 9 weeks. This diversion route was approved by SCC early in the project.
• Signage will be in place to direct HGV drivers on the diversionary route.
• Apps such as Google Maps and Waze update their information from a site called one.network where all roadworks are logged.

Have bus companies been notified of the postponement and are they making alternative arrangements for their passengers?

• Surrey County Council, as Highways Authority, is responsible for liaising with bus companies. The postponement does not create an immediate problem for the bus operators as no route amendments need to be implemented.

• VFL has already met Surrey County Council’s Public Transport Liaison Officer to discuss the options for buses if an alternative diversion is used for Phase 5. Surrey County Council is considering the options.

Ash Grange School and Little Fishes Nursery are both close to the bridge. Have they been notified? Parents will have to make U-turns in the road just to drop their children off at school.

• We will notify them as soon as dates are confirmed for the bridge opening and Phase 5.

How can I keep up to date?

• Visit our website
• Subscribe for email updates by emailing AshRoadBridge@VolkerFitzpatrick.co.uk
• Join our Community Forum by mailing AshRoadBridge@VolkerFitzpatrick.co.uk

When will all the works complete?

• We are still on programme to deliver the main bridge and landscaping construction works by the end of March 2025.

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