Find out about Ash Road Bridge

When will the bridge open?

• Chester bridge opened to cars and light vehicles on 8 February 2025 as part of Phase 5 of the scheme. 

When will Phase 5 begin and what is involved?

• Phase 5 works began on 10 February 2024. It will take approximately 9 weeks.
• It includes:
  • 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
  • Traffic signage and road markings

Has the 16-mile HGV diversion been approved by SCC?

• Yes and it is now in place.
• Some HGVs will have to use the bridge from the north side to get to the project site.

What diversions will be in place and when?

• Local diversions, approved by Surrey County Council, are now in place using the new bridge as part of the route.
• The diversions will be in place until the end of Phase 5.
• Cars, light vehicles and the Number 20 bus are diverted from Ash Street along Grange Road, Foreman Road, over the new bridge, along Stonehill Road, rejoining Guildford Road at the Dover's Arms roundabout, and vice versa.
• You can see the diversion routes on our traffic management page
• HGVs are being advised to follow the route shown on our traffic management page
• The HGV diversion is a 16-mile route using the A331 and the A31. It 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 is 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?

• Yes. Surrey County Council, as Highways Authority, is responsible for liaising with bus companies.
• 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.

Can I claim compensation for the impact the new bridge has had on my property?

• You may be able to claim compensation under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973 when the bridge has been open for a year. This principally relates to any reduction in the market value of your property linked to physical factors caused by the scheme such as light, noise and fumes. Find out how to claim after the road's been open for 1 year. (opens new window)
• Report an issue with air quality.
• There is no general statutory requirement for a local authority to provide financial assistance to a nearby homeowner to help them move home if they do not want to live near a proposed development.

How can I keep up to date? 

• Visit our website
• Subscribe for email updates by emailing 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 summer of 2025.