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The views of local residents and road users are being sought on a proposal to transform the road layout south of Victoria Arch in Woking Town Centre.
Working in partnership with the highways authority, Surrey County Council, the proposal will see the replacement of the existing one-way gyratory system around Guildford Road, Victoria Road and A320 Station Approach with a two-way road for vehicles, in addition to the introduction of safer, more convenient walking and cycle routes between Woking Town Centre, residential areas and other local places of interest.
As well as relieving congestion around Woking Town Centre and improving traffic flow, removing the one-way system would also make journey times quicker and more reliable.
Key elements of the proposal include:
- Replacing the one-way gyratory system with a two-way road for vehicles along Guildford Road and Victoria Road.
- Introducing new shared pedestrian and cycle paths.
- Installing four new toucan crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
Adapting the junction of Heathside Road with Guildford Road so that it becomes left-turn only exit with no access for vehicles from Guildford Road.
Improve the non-signalised crossing point on the western side of Guildford Road near to York Road.
Resurface footways to encourage more local journeys on foot.
Cllr David Bittleston, Leader of Woking Borough Council and Ward Member for Mount Hermon, said: "Woking Town Centre has grown considerably in recent years. New homes, commercial opportunities and public spaces have underpinned the economic growth and vitality of the area. Yet to support the continued growth of the town centre, we must investigate what measures we can take to reduce congestion now and in the future.
"Working in partnership with Surrey County Council, we have developed this proposal to not only improve the existing road layout south of Victoria Arch, but also improve connectivity and encourage journeys by foot and bicycle.
"It is now for local residents and road users to have their say on the proposal and help shape Woking's highway network for years to come."
Cllr Colin Kemp, Surrey County Council's Lead Cabinet Member for Place, and Woking Borough Councillor, said: "The A320 is a key arterial route connecting Woking and beyond with the M25. During peak hours, the area south of Victoria Arch regularly becomes a bottleneck causing delays and frustration amongst road users. Thanks to this proposal, we have the opportunity to address these issues now and open up access to Woking for all modes of transport, not only trains and cars, but also pedestrians and cyclists, in the future. I would encourage anyone who uses the A320 to get involved and have their say."
Cllr Will Forster, Surrey County Council Ward Member for South Woking, added: "South Woking currently suffers from poor transport links to both the town centre and train station. Victoria Arch and the roads leading up to it are narrow for motorists, dangerous for cyclists and unpleasant for pedestrians. This proposal put forward by Surrey County Council and Woking Borough Council could alleviate these long standing problems. I would really welcome local people's views on the proposals."
Public events
A series of public drop-in sessions will be held in Wolsey Place Shopping Centre where residents can find out more about the proposal and members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions on:
- Thursday 20 September 2018 between 12.30pm and 8pm
- Saturday 29 September 2018 between 10am and 4pm
A public exhibition will also be held during the consultation period at Morris House, 34 Commercial Way, Woking, where residents can find out more about the proposal.
Alternatively, residents can view a short animated film of the proposals and have their say by visiting www.woking.gov.uk/guildfordrdconsultation
All feedback on the proposal should be received no later than Wednesday 24 October 2018.
Subject to funding, the approval of the Victoria Arch widening proposals and the outcome of the public consultation, implementation of the scheme could commence in late 2019.