This week I have continued to meet with National Highways and Surrey County Council to monitor the situation along the A245 and its impact on surrounding areas. While I am pleased that the level of delay and disruption has reduced significantly, I know that there remain real concerns over several aspects of the scheme. I have raised each of these with the National Highways senior team and continue to raise issues on behalf of constituents as they arise.
- Unmanned Roadworks: While the situation has improved, it remains far from ideal, and I know many residents share my frustration that works often appear to be unmanned or with little work in progress. I have urged National Highways to make every effort to expedite this work, including ensuring additional resourcing in evenings and weekends, to reduce the planned length of time this disruption will continue for.
- Restricted access due to roadworks: The National Highways project team are available to work with anyone whose access to property, businesses or animals such as horses or livestock is physically restricted due to roadworks. The team are providing me with direct contact details which I will make available to those affected.
- Impact on businesses: I know that many businesses have also been affected by the traffic disruption. National Highways have stated there is no right to passing trade, meaning unfortunately there is no provision of compensation for those affected, however they are keen to work with local businesses to see what support they can provide, including improved signage. If you have been affected and would like to discuss possible support please contact National Highways or let me know and I can raise this on your behalf.
- Feltonfleet School access: I have been informed that last year work was supposed to take place to remove the central barrier and enable access from the school in both directions. This was paused due to the location of a mains power supply, yet no further work on this has taken place. If this had been completed access from the school would have been significantly improved. I have raised this directly with the senior team who have promised to provide me with a detailed update, which I will share with all who have raised concerns.
- Seven Hills Road/ no right turn: Residents have also raised questions over plans to close the right turn from Seven Hills Road. National Highways have confirmed this closure remains part of their plans, however there appears to be confusion over proposed timescales. I have requested an updated timescale on this work.
- HGVs: Cllr Tim Oliver and I have been working to address the issue of HGVs using inappropriate routes through Weybridge, especially at times of disruption to the A3 and M25. I have again raised this with National Highways and requested they speak directly to the local Amazon delivery centre, given the number of reports of amazon vehicles I have received. I am also seeking to meet with them in the coming week.
- Communication: A consistent concern has been raised regarding communication around this project. Last week I urged the project team to reach out to local community stakeholders, and they have confirmed this is now taking place. They have also offered to engage directly with residents groups who have concerns. If you are affected and would like a representative to attend I would be happy to pass on your details.
National Highways have also provided a Q&A to answer many of the questions they have received, which is available here. I will continue to engage with the team, share updates and raise issues on behalf of affected residents.
