Sheerwater link road works poised to begin

EIGHT months of major roadworks get underway in Sheerwater on Monday (March 4) when building the new link road and other improvements begin.

The 80-metre road will connect Monument Road and Albert Drive and once completed will boost businesses and improve traffic flow through the area.

It is hoped the link road, due to open in November, will provide motorists with a faster route through Sheerwater than the congestion-prone one-way system running through the narrow and crowded Eve Road and Arnold Road residential streets.

It will also improve access to the largest concentration of business parks within the borough as well as the planned new Asda superstore in Albert Drive.

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."

The improvement works aim to result in improved bus links to and from Sheerwater as well as better pedestrian and cycle networks.

Eve Road will be closed to through traffic, except cyclists, and will be turned into a cul-de-sac.

Eve Road and Arnold Road will be re-landscaped and residents will also be provided with a residential car park.

The scheme will also see new signalisation at Walton Road and the Monument Road/Monument Way East junction. Linked traffic signals will control both junctions and pedestrian crossings.

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.

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