New road bridge to open to traffic after delays

A new road bridge in Surrey will open on Saturday following months of construction work and delays.

Chester Bridge in Ash Road was originally due to open in November.

It marks the beginning of the final phase of works with nine more weeks of construction expected.

The bridge will initially open to cars and buses and will then open to all traffic, including lorries, following the end of works.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Guildford Borough Council (GBC) lead for regeneration, said he was "delighted" that the bridge was now open to traffic and was within budget.

The Ash Road bridge project provides a new crossing over the railway and aims to cut congestion caused by the level crossing.

A final phase of work, beginning on Monday will involve closing the level crossing to motorised traffic and reconstruction works of Ash Church Road between Britten Close and Foreman Road.

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

The bridge was named Chester Bridge in a public vote and refers to the Chester Arms pub, which was based near the bridge, and the Chester family who lived in Poyle Park.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be allowed to cross the railway at the level crossing once the bridge has been fully re-opened.

Mr Hunt said he understood that roadworks would be frustrating and apologised for the ongoing disturbance.

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