Project update: On Thursday 14 July 2022, Woking Borough Council’s Executive agreed to consider revised project options for the Victoria Arch widening scheme. This decision has initiated a fundamental review of the scheme including consideration of alternative delivery options and reduced costs. A project review update is expected at the meeting of the Executive in December 2022. Read more about about the review.
Completed works
July to August 2022: Gas supply infrastructure update
Works were progressed along Guildford Road, opposite Quadrant Court, to install a new gas pressure regulator (also known as a ‘gas governor’). The works were conducted by contractors on behalf of Southern Gas Network (SGN).
The works were permitted by Surrey County Council (SCC), the highway authority, and were permitted from 25 July to 25 August 2022. During this time, traffic management measures were in place which include two-way signals traffic control and the provision of a pedestrian walkway.
Demolition of the Triangle site
The demolition works to clear the existing Triangle site within Woking town recommenced in April 2022. The Triangle site is the pocket of land surrounded by the one-way system incorporating Guildford Road, Victoria Road and Station Approach.
This second phase of works demolished some of the vacant terraced shop units and residential apartments facing Guildford Road, owned by Woking Borough Council. The remainder of the site will be cleared once final property acquisitions have been completed.
In line with national regulations, the Triangle site working hours were Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturdays, 8am to 1pm; and Sundays and public bank holidays.
Why are these works required?
The cleared site provide the space to widen the highway on the south-side of the arch to allow a dual carriageway in both directions. The remaining space will be used as a safe compound for the scheme’s contractors and Network Rail.
The long-term plan for the site, as set out in the original housing numbers for the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) project with Homes England, is to deliver housing units on this site. The project team is currently working with architects to consider the housing development options for the site that fulfil Homes England’s requirements.
Highways trial hole works
We delivered early enabling works for the Victoria Arch widening scheme. These works delivered trial hole excavations underneath the Victoria Arch and along Guildford Road, Victoria Road and Station Approach.
The works commenced at the beginning of June 2022 and finished ahead of schedule on Saturday 25 June. During this time, this section of the highway is closed to vehicles in both directions and access for pedestrians and cyclists underneath Victoria Arch was maintained.
Why were these works required?
Conducted on behalf of Woking Borough Council and Surrey County Council, the works included:
- identifying buried objects such as underground pipes and cables, determining their condition, construction and direction
- exploring the ground’s profile, and
- undertaking drainage surveys.
What we did to minimise disruption
- Works were coordinated to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses.
- On-site works were set working times - see the working hours information in the next section.
- Drilling did not take place first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon.
- Site crews did take long breaks in the middle of the day, except to adhere to the law and health and safety regulations.
- Used sound proof barriers around the trial hole works.
- Advance road closure signs were displayed along the affected routes and other main highways.
- Study diversion routes were put in place to monitor the impact of the closure.
- Local emergency services response times were measured.
Related information
Letter about the works to affected residents and businesses
Temporary road closure required at Victoria Arch for essential works
Victoria Arch to re-open ahead of schedule
Contact us
To contact us about the Victoria Arch widening scheme, please complete our online enquiry form.