Page contents
- A320 improvements
- Development and plans
- Upcoming utility works
- Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order
- Ottershaw roundabout
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact us
Making improvements to the A320 in Runnymede between Chertsey and Ottershaw
Surrey County Council (SCC) and Runnymede Borough Council have been awarded £41.8 million by Homes England's Housing Infrastructure Fund to improve the A320.
The works will ensure there is extra capacity on the busy stretch of road between Chertsey and Ottershaw to unlock future housing sites.
The works will make sure all the junctions and roads work well together to improve traffic flow. There will also be improvements for walkers and cyclists, including new crossing points and wider foot and cycle paths, and improved access to public transport.
Upgrading the A320 means approximately 3,000 new homes can be built across ten sites in Runnymede – a key component of the borough's recently approved Local Plan. The largest site, Longcross Garden Village, could provide at least 1,700 homes.
Scheme development and plans
Find technical drawings and more information about the development and plans for the scheme on our A320 North of Woking Ottershaw to Chertsey highway improvements scheme website.
Upcoming utility works
In preparation for the A320 scheme, some utility works will need to take place in the coming months.
Roadworks information can be found via the roadworks map by searching the postcode or location of the roadworks and then selecting the relevant symbol to display information about the works. Contact utility companies directly about anything to do with their roadworks or you can use our online form to report a Surrey County Council roadworks problem.
Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order
In spring 2022 Surrey County Council submitted the Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order for this scheme to the Department for Transport. More information and the full documents included in these orders can be viewed on our scheme website at A320 North of Woking Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order.
The objection period for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and Side Roads Orders has now ended. An inquiry will be held in autumn 2022 where the Department for Transport will consider the evidence presented by Surrey County Council alongside any objections received, and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether the Orders should be confirmed. Further details on the inquiry, and supporting evidence being presented by the council, can be viewed on our scheme website at A320 North of Woking Compulsory Purchase Order inquiry.
Ottershaw roundabout consultation
A public consultation on a planning application to improve traffic flow through the Ottershaw roundabout closed on 31 December 2021. While Surrey County Council isn't obliged to take account of comments received outside the consultation period it will normally do so up to the date a decision is made.
To comment on the planning consultation, search the Surrey County Council online planning register using reference number 'SCC reference 2021/0185' or email mwcd@surreycc.gov.uk.
Frequently asked questions
General questions about the scheme
Why are you proposing changes to the A320?
The A320 North of Woking scheme is a partnership between Surrey County Council as the highways authority, Runnymede Borough Council as the planning authority, and Homes England which is funding the work through its Housing Infrastructure Fund.
The scheme aims to increase the capacity of the local road network and improve sustainable transport infrastructure to support delivery of the Runnymede 2030 local plan.
What are the changes you are proposing?
The scheme comprises various road, pavement and cycle path improvements to junctions and the road along the A320 between Ottershaw and Chertsey.
Why is this necessary?
The local plan recognises that new housing is needed to meet demand, and it's important that the A320 as the key link road between the M25 and communities like Woking, Ottershaw and Chertsey is able to cope with increased numbers of vehicles.
It's also important to improve access to St Peter's Hospital using all modes of transport, but in particular emergency vehicles, to support economic growth and to minimise disruption from roadworks.
When will construction start and how long will it last?
Preparation works started in autumn 2022, and have included surveys and utility works. We expect the main construction works to commence later this year. These works are still being planned, we will post further updates on this web page before the works start, explaining when the works will take place, and any expected road closures.
The works outside of Salesian school will take place during the summer holiday.
Why is the traffic forecast only until 2030?
The scheme has been designed to accommodate the housing need identified in the Runnymede 2030 Local Plan. The proposed number of homes gave a prediction of motor vehicle numbers. As there is no current plan for housing need after 2030, we are unable to model what that would look like.
How are you protecting trees?
The scheme has been designed to maximise the retention of trees much as possible. We have designed in the retention of veteran trees and most mature trees wherever possible.
It will however be necessary to remove a small number of trees for safety reasons and to meet highway design standards. We will plant replacement new trees of varying size and species along or near to the route on a replacement like for like basis or greater. We also plan to secure additional land nearby for use as wildlife habitat to compensate for any habitat loss due to the scheme.
How are you minimising noise and air pollution?
The scheme has been developed to be free flowing which will reduce traffic congestion, reducing pollution as a result. Further assessments to understand the impacts of the scheme on noise are being undertaken as the design develops and mitigation measures will be considered if appropriate. The roundabouts at Ottershaw and Green Lane and Holloway Hill will include new landscaping and trees and shrubs to help protect the surrounding area from noise and air pollution.
Walking, cycling and public transport
What types of crossing points are you considering?
We are planning to include controlled crossings wherever we can including toucan crossings for pedestrian and cyclists. Wherever possible, we will provide crossings at all points close to significant desire lines where significant numbers of people need to cross a road. We will also provide uncontrolled crossing points with traffic islands and tactile paving at less busy areas.
What improvements are you considering for pedestrians and cyclists?
We will be seeking to widen local footpaths and crossing points within the scheme area wherever possible. National Cycle Network route 223 will be upgraded to a four-metre-wide footpath and cycleway running alongside the A320. Where possible pedestrian controlled crossings will be provided at points where this route crosses a road. We're also reviewing bus stop locations to ensure they are fully accessible and close to crossings.
Why is it important to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities?
Transport makes up 46% of Surrey's carbon emissions, so encouraging people to use cleaner and greener transport will help bring us to our net zero carbon target. Improving walking and cycle routes can help people who can't drive to travel more independently and safely. Improving the accessibility of footpaths to wheelchairs, and providing cycleways suitable for adapted cycles, can help give people with disabilities more travel options.
How will you improve public transport?
Public transport routes will be maintained throughout the scheme. Surrey County Council is looking to improve public transport within the scheme and the local area. This includes providing new bus stops and shelters, as well as improved passenger information facilities. Access to bus stops will be improved through localised crossing points and improved foot and cycle paths.
Ottershaw
Why has a bypass around Ottershaw not been considered?
There are no plans to build a new road on greenbelt to both the east and west of Ottershaw. Adequate funding is not available to deliver it.
Will the upgraded Ottershaw roundabout split the village in two?
The existing A320 currently affects east-west connectivity in Ottershaw due to two existing issues
- Firstly, the large amount of slow moving and congested traffic along the A320. It is anticipated that the increased capacity of the proposed roundabout will reduce the traffic congestion.
- Secondly, there is currently a lack of suitable pedestrian crossing points across the A320. The design proposals are seen to considerably address this issue with new controlled crossing points proposed at key locations to improve the links of the east and west of the village.
By moving the roundabout to the northeast and providing improved crossing points, the proposed design aims to move traffic away from the village and reduce its impact. Appropriate landscaping is proposed to soften the appearance of the roundabout and provide protection from air and noise pollution. We'll engage further with Ottershaw residents before finalising the landscape design.
What are the reasons for the size, shape and location of the new Ottershaw roundabout?
The existing Ottershaw Roundabout struggles to cope with peak traffic from the four approach roads and the north bound segregated left turn lane from Chobham Road. The new roundabout is now designed to be as small as it can physically be whilst still dealing with the anticipated future traffic flow.
The roundabout also needs to be able to cope with a large number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), within the constraints of a woodland and local buildings. These include 2 Chobham Road (a grade II listed building), Forge Oak (a locally listed building), Copse Lea Assisted Living Residence, Miller and Carter Steakhouse and Ottershaw Village Hall, as well as a substation, telephone exchange and ambulance station.
What are the plans for landscaping?
It is intended the landscaping will provide minimal screening to the rear of the car park, as well as the roundabout circulatory and connecting roads and junctions while trying to retain the existing character of the area. The proposals include provision for the replacement of lost trees where possible. We intend to engage further with residents before finalising the landscape design.
What traffic calming is proposed?
A raised table has been included for the northern end of Brox Road to calm traffic. Further measures will be considered within the designs, but funds are limited.
Why are you not increasing capacity of Guildford Road North?
Our analysis has shown that traffic congestion is caused by the junctions. By improving the key junctions, we are improving the overall capacity along this stretch of the A320. This is verified though traffic microsimulation modelling.
Why does Brox Road not lead directly to the new roundabout?
Connecting Brox Road directly into the proposed roundabout will result in a significantly larger roundabout as it would need to accommodate a greater number of links. Furthermore, it was felt that such a direct roundabout link would encourage rat running.
These factors will result in a roundabout with a significantly larger footprint that will have a greater impact on the village. Options that included a Brox Road connection into the roundabout were considered as part of the feasibility design but were discounted for the reasons above.
A number of alternative designs and suggestions have been offered, why are they not being used?
Unfortunately, the alternative options offered don't comply with the minimum highway design standards and they do not meet the future traffic capacity requirements in terms of growth and traffic movements.
What are the plans for Ottershaw car park?
We will replace the existing car park with a new, larger car park, in the same location. This car park will include a number of planned electric vehicle charging bays; these will be introduced following completion of the car park construction.
Contact us
If you have any questions or comments about these works, please email a320feedback@surreycc.gov.uk
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