Kingfield Bridge Closure in Woking to be longer than expected

People travelling in and out of Woking

could be bracing themselves for yet more misery as a major route

could be closed for seven months next year.

The Kingfield Road Bridge was meant to

be closed for just three months from February but the modified plans

mean that it could be closed for at least double that and cause more

disruption than previously thought.

We got in touch with Woking Borough

Council and they confirmed to us that the closure was extended due to

changes in development.

“We are now expecting the road to be

closed for up to 27 weeks from beginning of February 2011,”

explained Karen Porter, Marketing Communications Manager at Woking

Borough Council. “But we hope to reduce this total closure in

negotiation with the utility companies and the highways authority.”

Eagle Radio has reported that a

decision is still being made as to whether to completely close the

bridge or to introduce a contra-flow system.

However, the Council are adamant that

they will keep disruption to a minimum.

“We recognise that

the road closure is likely to cause some disruption to local people

and would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

“We would also

like to reassure all of our residents that we are fully committed to

keeping disruption to a minimum in order to bring about significant

improvements that will be of benefit to everyone in Woking

Borough.”

The development is part of the Hoe

Valley Scheme, a major redevelopment that is costing the Council £40

million after years of planning and is aiming to move houses out of

the flood plain and improve community facilities in the area.

Are you frustrated by this news? Are

you willing to bear the disruption for a new and improved Hoe Valley?

Let us know your thoughts on this story with a comment.