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Guildford Borough Council set to open Chester Bridge on 8 February

Chester Bridge with train

The new Chester Bridge in Ash will open to traffic on Saturday 8 February. This marks the latest stage in construction of the Ash Road Bridge project to provide the much needed new crossing across the railway, improving road safety and cutting congestion caused by the level crossing. 

The opening of the bridge to cars and buses marks the start of the final phase of the project. 

The work on Phase Five starts on Monday 10 February and will take approximately nine weeks. It involves:

  • closing the level crossing to motorised traffic
  • closing the junction of Ash Church Road and Foreman Road temporarily
  • full-depth reconstruction of Ash Church Road between Britten Close and Foreman Road
  • diverting the Number 20 bus route temporarily
  • temporary traffic lights on Foreman Road to enable pedestrian access between Woodroffe Close and Meade Walk, traffic light timings to be reviewed after one week
  • installation of new parking spaces on Guildford Road between the Dover's Arms roundabout and the level crossing

Cars, light vehicles and the Number 20 bus will be diverted from Ash Street along Grange Road, Foreman Road, over the new bridge, along Leyscroftes Road and Stonehill Road, rejoining Guildford Road at the Dover's Arms roundabout, and vice versa.

The bus stops at St Peter's Church, Ash Rail Station and Chester Road won't be in use during Phase Five. When Phase Five is complete, the Number 20 bus will use Chester Bridge, Leyscroftes Road and Stonehill Road as its permanent route.

HGVs will be advised to take a longer diversion route from the A331, along the A31 and A3, then back to Ash via the A323. Maps of the diversion routes can be found on our website. This is to reduce heavy traffic on the narrower roads of the diversion route. HGVs will be able to use the bridge at the end of Stage Five, in about nine weeks' time. Buses are being diverted over the bridge to enable passengers to get as close as possible to their usual stops.

Pedestrian and cyclist access to the railway station will be maintained throughout Phase Five, with a signed diversion between Grange Road and Ash Church Road. Pedestrians and cyclists will also still be able to cross the railway at the level crossing.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Lead Councillor for Regeneration, said:

"I'm delighted that we are now able to move forward with the Phase Five work. Those travelling by car and bus will now be able to use the new bridge.

This has been a big and complicated project, and I am delighted that the opening of the bridge has come within budget. 

Diversions agreed with Surrey County Council will be in place to enable the Phase 5 works to be completed.  I understand that they may be frustrating for residents and those who travel through Ash, I apologise for any disturbance or inconvenience caused. The bridge will open to all traffic, including HGVs, once Phase 5 is completed."

You will find more information and updates on our website.

Published on: Wednesday 5 February 2025.


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