A320 North of Woking improvements

Contents

Latest updates

Holloway Hill

Weekend and overnight closures

Guildford Road will be closed between Little Green Lane and the Chertsey roundabout (Bell Bridge Road) in both directions from  8pm Friday 7 August to 5am Monday 10 August. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works.

The same section will also be closed overnight from 8pm to 5am on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 August.

The diversion route for both closures is as follows:

  • Guildford Road,
  • St Peters Way,
  • Chertsey Road,
  • Eastworth Road/ A317,
  • Bell Bridge Road,
  • Guildford Road.

You can also view this diversion on a map.

Residential access

Due to the nature of the works, no access will  be possible from the Little Green Lane end of the closures. Residential access for properties on Guildford  Road will be maintained via the Chertsey roundabout (Bell Bridge Road), please approach our gatemen who will provide access.

Temporary traffic lights on Guildford Road 4 to 31 August

To continue our work on the new Holloway Hill roundabout, we will be installing temporary traffic lights along Guildford Road, Chertsey, outside Salesian School, from Tuesday 4 August to Monday 31 August.

The temporary traffic lights will provide our team with the safe working room needed to construct a concrete protection slab. This will allow traffic to safely pass over underground utility services when the road re-opens later this year.

We acknowledge and understand that these lights will likely cause delays and congestion, which is why we have scheduled the work for the school summer holidays. We would like to thank you in advance for your ongoing patience and understanding whilst we carry out our work. Please be assured that the temporary traffic management will be staffed and reviewed throughout the work and any necessary adjustments will be made as soon as possible.

Whilst the lights are in place, we will be working alongside contractors from BT, decreasing the need for further traffic management at a later date.

Road closure

Works are progressing to install large drainage pipes, divert utility company apparatus and construct the north side of the new roundabout. Holloway Hill remains closed as works progress. The closure went in on Tuesday 14 April and is expected to be in place for approximately 6 months. There is no through route / access for any vehicles during the closure. Access to the White Lodge Centre is being maintained. Please follow our diversion and head down Holloway Hill to access the White Lodge Centre, no traffic will be permitted onto Holloway Hill from Guildford Road. We apologise in advance of any inconvenience caused. A signed diversion route is in place via:

  • Guildford Road,
  • Chobham Road,
  • Old Chertsey Road,
  • Stonehill Road
  • Return to Holloway Hill

To reach Hardwick Lane, please continue on the diversion route via:

  • Longcross Road,
  • Lyne Lane,
  • Return to Hardwick Lane

You can also view this diversion on Google maps. Pedestrian access will be maintained. The closure will enable construction of the western edge of the new roundabout. All works at this junction should be complete in summer 2027.

A320 St Peter’s Roundabout and St Peters Way East

The traffic lights on St Peter's roundabout have been switched on and the traffic management around the roundabout has been removed. Please take caution when using the junction as drivers adjust to the new road layout. The traffic lights are operational at all hours of the day, unlike the previous lights that were operational at peak hours only. This is necessary due to the new, larger capacity of the roundabout.

A lane will remain closed on the eastbound carriageway of St Peters Way due to works in the central reservation towards the M25. We may also need to re-install some traffic management in the future to carry out further works. We will update our website with details ahead of any further works.

We recognise that the ongoing roadworks and the continued presence of traffic management at this location have caused frustration for residents and road users, and we would like to thank you for your patience while we complete this important improvement scheme.

Ottershaw

The Surrey County Council project team, contractor, arboriculturists and ecologists are carrying out surveys and agreeing measures to ensure the continued protection of trees and habitats on the western side of the scheme. These are separate from the mature trees on the eastern side, which are already being protected for retention.

The works are paused while we continue to follow all required processes set out by the county planning authority.  These processes include establishing the health and condition of the existing trees on the western side and actions following relevant surveys.

The processes are well underway and updated reports being finalised to issue to the county planning authority, which will then require time to review and consider.

Due to the legal need to keep the work of the project and planning teams completely separate, we are unable to provide an overall completion date. However we expect works will restart in summer 2026 with an expected overall completion in summer 2027.

Planning permission

Surrey County Council approved planning permission for the roundabout in January 2023, which included vegetation and selective tree clearance around the site. To meet planning conditions, a method statement was submitted detailing protection measures for all retained trees including the three mature oak trees on the north verge of Murray Road.

Site clearance

Site clearance began earlier this year, including early vegetation removal, preliminary excavation and establishment of the site compound. We understand residents' concerns about the three mature oak trees in Ottershaw; these trees will be retained, form part of the final landscaping design, and have been fully segregated from the works area to ensure their protection during construction. During initial clearance, a small area categorised as dense scrub, but which was noted as retained woodland on the approved plans was mistakenly removed. We apologise for this error. The planning enforcement team is investigating, and we are preparing a replanting plan with enhanced biodiversity measures for their approval.

Main works

Most of the work to date has been off the road network but did require the closure of the Murray Road car park. Work is underway to provide new parking spaces to support village retailers and activities. The main works to improve the roundabout will follow in due course and will initially be off the main road network. Wherever possible we aim to carry out on carriageway works overnight, or during off-peak hours, to minimise traffic disruption. However, the nature of our works means there will be some disruption throughout construction. There are details below of how to sign up for our contractor’s regular email updates.

Future landscaping

A new comprehensive landscaping plan is currently being finalised to replace vegetation lost during the construction of the new roundabout. This will supplement the off-site habitats created to ensure the scheme has a net positive impact on biodiversity. The landscaping plan proposes a mixture of both native and ornamental planting with larger planting within the new hedgerow. We’re proposing that flowering cherry trees will be planted, together with other species such as hazel, common hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, dog rose, privet, yew and honeysuckle. The plan also includes the maintenance of the three mature oak trees, and restoration of the small area of dense scrub near the new car park which was cleared in error.

The landscape plan will be implemented after construction work is complete. The proposals can be seen in detail on the A320 North of Woking commonplace website.

Other areas of work

  • M25 junction 11: Embankment works are currently taking place off the carriageway and are near completion. Discussions are taking place with National Highways and Connect Plus Services regarding traffic management for the main construction on M25 junction 11. Discussions are focusing on how to safely deliver these works whilst managing traffic impacts. Dates are not yet confirmed for commencement of this phase.

Development and plans

To see technical drawings and more information about the development and plans for the scheme visit the A320 North of Woking commonplace website.

Following a review of the scheme's costs and available funding, it became clear that increasing construction costs means we're unable to deliver all of the improvements without exceeding the approved budget. Funding for the scheme was awarded in November 2020 by Homes England, which pre-dates several significant issues that have impacted the cost of all construction projects, including pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and rising material costs as a result of global conflicts.

As a result of these pressures, we will no longer be constructing three elements of the scheme that were outlined in the original proposal. These are:

  • St Anne's roundabout
  • Little Green Lane to St Peter's hospital roundabout
  • St Peter's roundabout to Ottershaw roundabout

These changes have been agreed with Homes England, which supports the revised scope. The remaining six elements of the scheme are expected to be constructed as planned, ensuring we deliver improvements that provide the greatest benefit for local communities and road users. These elements are:

  • St Peter’s Way roundabout
  • Holloway Hill / Green Lane junction
  • Ottershaw roundabout
  • M25 junction 11
  • St Peter’s Way east
  • Guildford Road (outside Salesian School)

Scheme overview

Surrey County Council was awarded funding by Homes England's Housing Infrastructure Fund to ensure there is sufficient capacity on the A320 between Chertsey and Ottershaw to support delivery of the Runnymede 2030 local plan.

Our contractor started work in spring 2025 and has been delivering the project in phases with a current overall planned completion date of autumn 2027.

What's planned?

  • Improvements to traffic lane facilities and full signalisation of St Peters Roundabout
  • Provision of an additional, third traffic lane eastbound on St Peters Way East
  • Provision of a new and improved Ottershaw roundabout with greater circulatory capacity with widened approaches and exits providing additional traffic lanes
  • Improvements to the M25 junction 11 interchange, including full circulatory signalisation and widened northbound and southbound exit slip roads with new dedicated left turn lanes
  • Provision of a new roundabout at the Holloway Hill/ Green Lane junction, with flood reduction initiatives, including the construction of attenuation ponds and shallow swales
  • Provision of shared use footway/cycleways where possible
  • Improvements to Guildford Road, near Salesian School, include installation of a dedicated drop-off layby / bus bays on the east side of Guildford Road along the front of the school
  • Improved lighting for all road users and provision of safe crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the whole scheme

Questions and answers

Holloway Hill

Why is a full closure needed on Holloway Hill? Can this not be done with temporary traffic lights or for a shorter period?

Unfortunately, a full six-month closure of Holloway Hill and Hardwick Lane is the only possible way to construct the western section of the new roundabout. During the closure, a significant amount of complex work needs to be completed safely within a relatively confined area and within the centre of the road. This includes:

  • Five utility companies working within the closure to divert their existing services to suit the new road layout
  • Construction of new kerbs and pedestrian crossings
  • Installation of surface water drainage
  • Installation and connection of a large brick culvert, which will be in the centre of the road
  • Construction of the western section of the new roundabout, including removing the existing road and replacement with a new layout

The road closure proposals were discussed in detail by the A320 project team, our contractor and highway management colleagues. It was agreed that a full closure is needed to protect both road users and the workforce, and to allow the improvements to be delivered as quickly as possible. Due to the width of the road, it is not possible to  allow traffic to pass safely whilst the works are ongoing.

Following the completion of the western section of the roundabout, traffic will be directed onto the new section, allowing construction of the eastern section of the roundabout away from live traffic.

How have you assessed the impact of the other phases of works nearby that are related to this scheme?

The eastbound St Peters Way carriageway reopened to two lanes ahead of the closure of Holloway Hill which has seen a positive impact on the traffic heading to and from St Peter’s Hospital. In addition, most works taking place in Ottershaw are off the road during peak day-time hours, to minimise traffic in the area. All traffic diversions are approved by Surrey highways which assesses other roadworks and tracks any potential clashes with other major works. In the event of emergency works, such as a burst water main or gas leak, utility companies can notify Surrey County Council as late as two hours after work starts. Emergency works can't be refused by Surrey County Council. It can be a challenge to co-ordinate these unplanned works around other works already underway. However, Surrey highways will still place any needed conditions on the permits granted for emergency or 'immediate' works to minimise disruption.

How will you ensure that reliable access to St Peter’s Hospital for patients, staff, carers and emergency vehicles is maintained?

Weekly meetings are held with St Peter’s Hospital and emergency services to ensure they are thoroughly aware of plans. As works are close to the hospital, we will maintain emergency services access whenever possible.  Due to the holes being dug during the Holloway Hill closure, this is not possible in this instance.

Are you in contact with local schools?

Following initial community feedback, we have re-phased our works to maintain pedestrian access to Holloway Hill and Hardwick Lane for students, teachers and parents who walk. All local schools have been provided with information about the works and contact details. We encourage them to raise any issues directly with us.

How will you reduce rat-running, congestion and safety issues on surrounding residential routes?

An approved diversion route has been shared in all our communications, and this is being regularly monitored. Some drivers may choose however to use a different route. If you are concerned about the safety of driving on local roads, this would need to be reported to Surrey Police. We will review whether any additional signage is required on local roads to deter rat-running.

Will pedestrian access be possible during the closure?

Pedestrian access is maintained during the closure.

What support or mitigation is being considered for affected businesses and community venues?

Additional signage has been placed to advise that businesses are open as usual. We are unable to offer compensation for any loss of trade resulting from highway works.

What mitigation is in place if there are major traffic issues once the closure is in place?

We are continually reviewing the traffic management and diversion routes and will implement mitigation measures if necessary.

Why have you started works on Holloway Hill when you have finished other phases yet?

We recognise that these works have already caused disruption, and we appreciate people’s patience. Starting work on Holloway Hill alongside other phases is a deliberate decision to reduce the overall length of the project. By delivering several phases at the same time, we can complete the scheme sooner than if the works were undertaken sequentially. We are also making best use of the spring and summer months, where there are less likely to be weather related delays and the summer holidays will mean traffic is lighter from late July to early September.

Ottershaw

Why are no works taking place in Ottershaw currently?

The works at Ottershaw have been temporarily paused while the Surrey County Council project team, contractor, arboriculturists and ecologists are working together to survey, inspect and plan the necessary measures to ensure the continued safety and protection of the trees.

The pause will remain in place while we continue to follow all required processes set out by the county planning authority and whilst our contractor plans the next phase of construction, including the coordination of any associated utility diversions. We do not have a confirmed timescale to share at this stage, but we will update our website with the latest information as soon as it becomes available.

Why has a bypass around Ottershaw not been considered?

There are no plans to build a new road on greenbelt to both the east and west of Ottershaw. Adequate funding is not available to deliver it.

Will the upgraded Ottershaw roundabout split the village in two?

The existing A320 currently affects connectivity in Ottershaw due to two key issues :

  • Firstly, in respect of the large amount of slow moving and congested traffic along the A320. The improvements to the roundabout approaches through the construction of much improved stacking/queuing capacity, together with the increased circulatory capacity of the new roundabout itself will reduce the traffic congestion and aid through-flow particularly at peak times.
  • Secondly, there is currently a lack of suitable pedestrian crossing points across the A320. The proposals will considerably address this issue with new controlled crossing points at key locations which in turn will improve the links of the east and west of the village.

By moving the roundabout to northwards and providing improved crossing points, the proposed design will move traffic away from the village and thus reduce its impact. Appropriate landscaping is proposed which will soften the appearance of the new junction and provide protection from air and noise pollution. We will engage further with Ottershaw residents before finalising the landscape design.

What are the reasons for the size, shape and location of the new Ottershaw roundabout?

The existing Ottershaw Roundabout struggles to cope with peak traffic from the four approach roads and the north bound segregated left turn lane from Chobham Road. The new roundabout is now designed to be as small as it can physically be whilst still dealing with the anticipated future traffic flow.

The roundabout also needs to be able to cope with a large number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), within the constraints of a woodland and local buildings. These include 2 Chobham Road (a grade II listed building), Forge Oak (a locally listed building), Copse Lea Assisted Living Residence, Miller and Carter Steakhouse and Ottershaw Village Hall, as well as a substation, telephone exchange and ambulance station.

What are the plans for landscaping?

A new comprehensive landscaping plan is currently being finalised to replace vegetation lost during the construction of the new roundabout. This will supplement the off-site habitats created to ensure the scheme has a net positive impact on biodiversity. The landscaping plan proposes a mixture of both native and ornamental planting with larger planting within the new hedgerow. We’re proposing that flowering cherry trees will be planted, together with other species such as hazel, common hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, dog rose, privet, yew and honeysuckle. The plan also includes the maintenance of the three mature oak trees, and restoration of the small area of dense scrub near the new car park which was cleared in error.

It is intended the landscaping will provide minimal screening to the rear of the car park, as well as the roundabout circulatory and connecting roads and junctions while trying to retain the existing character of the area. The plans include provision for the replacement of lost trees where possible. Landscaping plans can be found on the A320 North of Woking commonplace website.

What traffic calming is proposed?

A raised table has been included for the northern end of Brox Road to calm traffic.

Why are you not increasing capacity of Guildford Road North?

Our analysis has shown that traffic congestion is caused by the junctions. By improving the key junctions, we are improving the overall capacity along this stretch of the A320. This is verified though traffic microsimulation modelling.

Why does Brox Road not lead directly to the new roundabout?

Connecting Brox Road directly into the proposed roundabout will result in a significantly larger roundabout as it would need to accommodate a greater number of links. Furthermore, it was felt that such a direct roundabout link would encourage rat-running.

These factors would result in a roundabout with a significantly larger footprint that will have a greater impact on the village. Options that included a Brox Road connection into the roundabout were considered as part of the feasibility design but were discounted for the reasons above.

A number of alternative designs and suggestions have been offered, why are they not being used?

Unfortunately, the alternative options offered don't comply with the minimum highway design standards and they do not meet the future traffic capacity requirements in terms of growth and traffic movements.

How long will Murray Road car park be closed for?

We are unable to provide a definitive timescale prior to works starting. Once works begin we will have a better understanding of timescales and will update our website with the latest information.

Will alternative parking provisions be offered?

There are alternative car parks available in Ottershaw at Memorial Fields and Timber Hill for those who are able to walk a short distance. Please visit the Runnymede Borough Council website for details of the car parks. On-street parking is also available on roads in the village.

If you are a blue badge holder, please visit the Disabled Parking - Blue Badge webpage for information about where you can park and any restrictions. You can also check eligibility and apply for a blue badge on the same webpage.

We also offer and on-demand bus service called Surrey Connect, which is a safe and reliable bus sharing service connecting you to your local community. It is available to residents in Ottershaw, and passengers can travel anywhere in the designated area within Runnymede. For more information and to make a booking, please visit the Surrey Connect on-demand bus service webpage.

Bus stops are located nearby to Murray Road car park should residents choose to take public transportation. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause whilst we carry out our works.

Will on road parking be permitted on yellow lines whilst the car park is closed?

It is not permitted to park on double yellow lines under UK law.

St Peter's Way

What is the speed limit on St Peter's Way whilst the works are ongoing?

There is currently a temporary 30mph speed limit in force on St Peter’s Way while construction works are ongoing. This temporary restriction is implemented under a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, and as such takes precedence over any permanent road markings. The 50mph carriageway markings form part of the permanent scheme and they will become effective once the works are finished and the temporary traffic order is lifted.

General questions about the scheme

Why are you proposing changes to the A320?

The A320 North of Woking scheme is a partnership between Surrey County Council as the highways authority, Runnymede Borough Council as the planning authority, and Homes England which is funding the work through its Housing Infrastructure Fund.

The scheme aims to increase the capacity of the local road network and improve sustainable transport infrastructure to support delivery of the Runnymede 2030 local plan.

What are the changes you are proposing?

The scheme comprises various road, pavement, public transport and cycle path improvements to junctions and the road along the A320 between Ottershaw and Chertsey.

Why is this necessary?

The local plan recognises that new housing is needed to meet demand, and it's important that the A320 as the key link road between the M25 and communities including Woking, Ottershaw and Chertsey is able to cope with increased numbers of vehicles.

It's also important to improve access to St Peter's Hospital using all modes of transport, but in particular emergency vehicles, as well as the need to support economic growth and to minimise disruption from roadworks.

When will construction start?

Preparation works started in autumn 2022, and included surveys and utility works. The main construction works started in March 2025.

Why is the traffic forecast only until 2030?

The scheme has been designed to accommodate the housing need identified in the Runnymede 2030 Local Plan. The proposed number of homes gave a prediction of motor vehicle numbers. As there is no current plan for housing need after 2030, we are unable to model what that would look like.

How are you protecting trees?

The scheme has been designed to maximise the retention of trees much as possible. We have designed in the retention of most mature trees wherever possible. It will however be necessary to remove a small number of trees for safety reasons and to meet highway design standards. We will plant replacement new trees of varying size and species along or near to the route on a replacement like for like basis or greater. We also plan to secure additional land nearby for use as wildlife habitat to compensate for any habitat loss due to the scheme. We have also already planted between 3000 and 4600 additional trees on land nearby as part of our Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) to help compensate for any loss due to the scheme.

How are you minimising noise and air pollution?

The scheme has been developed to be free flowing which will reduce traffic congestion, reducing pollution as a result. Further assessments to understand the impacts of the scheme regarding noise are being undertaken as the design develops and mitigation measures will be considered if appropriate. The roundabouts at Ottershaw and Green Lane and Holloway Hill will include new landscaping and trees and shrubs to help protect the surrounding area from noise and air pollution.

Walking, cycling and public transport

What types of crossing points are you considering?

We are planning to include controlled crossings, including toucan crossings for pedestrian and cyclists. These are at all points close to significant desire lines where significant numbers of people need to cross a road. We will also provide uncontrolled crossing points where considered appropriate.

What improvements are you considering for pedestrians and cyclists?

We will be seeking to widen local footpaths and crossing points within the scheme area wherever possible. National Cycle Network route 223, a combined footpath and cycleway running alongside the A320, will be upgraded to a four-metre-wide footpath and cycleway running alongside the A320. Where possible pedestrian controlled crossings will be provided at points where this route crosses a road. We're also reviewing bus stop locations to ensure they are fully accessible and close to crossings.

Why is it important to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities?

Transport makes up 46% of Surrey's carbon emissions, so encouraging people to use cleaner and greener transport will help bring us to our net zero carbon target. Improving walking and cycle routes can help people who cannot drive to travel more independently and safely. Improving the accessibility of footpaths for wheelchair users and providing cycleways suitable for adapted cycles, can help give people with disabilities more travel options.

How will you improve public transport?

Public transport routes will be maintained throughout the scheme. Surrey County Council is looking to improve public transport within the scheme and the local area. This includes providing new bus stops and shelters, as well as improved passenger information facilities. Access to bus stops will be improved through localised crossing points and improved foot and cycle paths.

Contact us

If you have any questions or comments about these works, please email a320feedback@surreycc.gov.uk

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