1 March 2013
Good news for Sheerwater as access improvement works begin
The new 80-metre link road, connecting Monument Road and Albert Drive and, associated traffic management measures, will remove the need to navigate the current congestion-prone one-way system running through the narrow and crowded residential streets of Eve Road and Arnold Road.
The new link road will significantly improve vehicular access to the largest concentration of business parks within the Borough, located along Albert Drive, helping to deliver inward investment and improve the economic vitality of Sheerwater and neighbouring areas.
Cllr John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: "We are delighted that works on the much-needed Sheerwater link road are about to get underway. The delivery of this project will put into place the infrastructure and investment that will underpin the long-term regeneration of Sheerwater, creating a desirable place to live, work and do business.
"The Council will be working closely with contractors to ensure disruption to local residents, businesses and commuters during the construction of the link road is kept to a minimum."
John Furey, Surrey County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: "Congestion costs money, so by improving access to the business park through the new Sheerwater link road, we'll be boosting the economy by making it easier for companies to do business there. Surrey County Council is contributing £1million to this project, which comes from a winning bid to the Government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund. We'll continue to work closely with Woking Borough Council on this worthwhile project."
Not only will the new link road deliver benefits to local businesses, but to local residents, commuters and visitors. The access improvement works will include:
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signalisation of Walton Road and the Monument Road/Monument Way East junction with linked traffic signals controlling both junctions and pedestrian crossings
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the closure of Eve Road to through traffic, except cycles, and the creation of a cul-de-sac
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creation of two residential car parks providing additional parking for residents of Eve Road and Arnold Road
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provide a less congested and more attractive street scene (via landscaping) for Eve Road and Arnold Road
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improved connectivity of the pedestrian and cycle networks between Sheerwater and Woking Town Centre
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improve bus links and services to and from Sheerwater
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provide a wider retail offering to the Sheerwater and business communities.
In addition to improving access to Sheerwater, the scheme includes enhancement works to the junction of Devonshire Avenue and Albert Drive, and the creation of a new vehicular access into Bishop David Brown School.
The scheme is being funded by Woking Borough Council, Surrey County Council and, in part, by the Growing Enterprise Fund. This fund was established by Enterprise M3, the Local Enterprise Partnership for the M3 corridor, to kick start infrastructure and other projects that will drive economic growth in the mid and north Hampshire and south west Surrey areas, helping to create housing and jobs for local people.
Works will be carried out by specialist contractor, J Breheny, and project managed by Rutland Properties Ltd. It is anticipated that the new link road and associated works will be complete by November 2013.
For more information about the scheme, including a timeline of works, please visit www.woking.gov.uk/sheerwateraccessscheme
