Weybridge struggles with chaotic roadworks, causing delays for schools and businesses
Weybridge: Morning rush hour is a common part of life. In busy towns, traffic is expected as people drop off kids and head to work.
For those in Weybridge, leaving home early or avoiding peak times is smart. But many now avoid the roads completely. Uncoordinated roadworks and faulty traffic lights have caused major delays.
Schools report that hundreds of kids are late. Coffee shops are empty as people steer clear of the town. Residents describe the situation as a “nightmare” with long waits and no visible work happening.
Nearby roadworks at the M25’s Wisley Interchange have worsened local traffic. Surrey County Council and Elmbridge Borough Council plan a £5 million upgrade for Weybridge roads, as it’s a key employment hub.
The town has many businesses, from retail to healthcare. The council sees Weybridge as a great place to live and work, with good schools for families.
Upcoming improvements include wider footpaths, better crossings, and upgraded cycling paths. These changes will start after major work at the M25 interchange wraps up this summer.
Surrey County Council promises to manage the roadworks in phases to minimize disruption. They aim to keep traffic flowing smoothly for residents and businesses.
However, ongoing gas main repairs by SGN have added to the chaos. Traffic lights at a key roundabout have failed twice, leaving drivers stuck.
SGN plans to finish their work by February 7. Meanwhile, other roadworks will occur from February 4 to February 14. One resident shared their frustration, saying it’s been a nightmare for families and businesses.
They noted that work often stops early, and lane rental fees don’t seem to encourage faster completion. They suggested that longer hours and higher fees might help speed things up.
In response, SGN said their work on Balfour Road should finish soon. They are upgrading gas lines to ensure a safe supply for the community.
They apologized for the earlier traffic light issues and are now manually managing the lights to ease congestion.
Schools report many late students, with over 100 tardy at St Georges Junior School alone. Local businesses also feel the impact, with fewer customers visiting.
Another resident criticized the lack of planning and coordination, saying it’s damaging for everyone involved. They feel the situation has been poorly managed.
Tim Oliver, a council leader, acknowledged the high demand for utility work in Surrey. They are working with utility companies to improve coordination and reduce disruptions.
Oliver emphasized that they take roadwork management seriously and conduct regular inspections. However, high traffic levels in Surrey can still lead to delays.
He noted that recent emergency works have added to the disruption, especially with ongoing improvements at Junction 10, expected to finish this summer.
