Surbiton traffic chaos to continue in 2012

The recent traffic chaos in central Surbiton is set to return for longer next year.  The traffic jams have been caused by work being carried out on the train bridge going over Brighton Road, at the end of Victoria Road.  The three-way temporary traffic lights are due to be in place between the 7th and 12th November 2011.

The current work to the bridge is just the investigative work by Network Rail in preparation for when the bridge is replaced next year.  The bridge replacement is expected to start during Easter weekend 2012.  It is not known how long the bridge will take to be replaced, but it sounds like a long job to us!  It is likely that the whole of the road will need to be closed for a period of time.

Although the replacement of the bridge is nothing to do with Kingston Council, they are trying to get involved as part of the Surbiton Town Centre Improvements programme.  The recent road and pavement works (which took ten weeks to complete) in Victoria Road were carried out as part of this Improvements programme.  The Council are hoping to work with Network Rail to improve the look and feel of the bridge, which can be rather grim top walk under.

There is a hope that changes can be made to clear the area of pigeons, improve the lighting and perhaps improve the look of the walls each side.  Currently there are large advertising posters underneath which keep getting fly-posted, but I expect these will stay.

Any improvements to this are to be welcomed.  The Council are hoping to consult on any potential improvements, but they don't have any money!  However, it does mean yet more road-works.  Surbiton town centre has suffered from extensive long-term road-works throughout this year and the local shops are suffering.  Hopefully, 2012 will be kinder to Surbiton's business owners – and to local drivers!