November update
As advised in our October update, improvement works on Croydon Road have encountered delays, and therefore works have not progressed as quickly as anticipated. Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made, including the delivery of important drainage improvements that will help to address some of the longstanding flooding issues in the town centre.
Whilst we cannot eliminate these flooding problems entirely, these works are designed to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall in the town centre. The existing drainage system has not been working correctly, so prior to starting any work, surveys were conducted to assess the condition of the existing system and to inform repairs. Once construction started further maintenance issues were identified. As a result, plans had to be adjusted to include additional repairs which resulted in some delays.
Drainage improvements made
- Private drainage - We have addressed drainage from the roofs of nearby private buildings, which were not previously connected to any drainage beneath the footway. We have now connected these into the new system, which will prevent potential problems in the future.
- Rain gardens – New rain gardens have been installed which will capture rainwater from footways and the carriageway.
- Permeable paving - Tarmac parking bays and footways have been replaced with permeable paving, allowing surface water to drain more effectively. Below this paving a granular material has been installed which will help to manage surface water more effectively, providing a greater volume of water storage and allowing more time for water to discharge into the existing drains.
- Hydrorock – an innovative material called Hydrorock has been installed under the rain gardens and parking bays. This product captures and stores water temporarily, relieving pressure on existing drainage infrastructure during heavy rainfall.
Together these measures are expected to reduce the extent of flooding on Croydon Road. The measures will not eliminate flooding entirely, however this work along with maintenance and other improvements in the area will have a positive impact.
Flooding prevention advice
To help prevent flooding in our community there are several simple, yet effective measures you can take:
- Consider installing a rainwater tank to collect and store rainwater from your roof, which can then be used for watering your garden. This not only reduces the amount of water entering the drainage system but also conserves water.
- Instead of tarmacking your driveway, consider using permeable materials like gravel or permeable paving that allow rainwater to soak into the ground.
- Planting more trees and shrubs can help to manage surface water runoff.
Together, these actions can help to mitigate the risk of flooding and contribute to a healthier environment.
For advice on what to do in case of a flood please see our flooding webpages.
We appreciate your patience and will continue to provide updates as the project progresses. Updates can also be found on Tandridge District Council's scheme webpage.
October update
The Croydon Road, Caterham project, carried out in partnership by Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council, and Caterham Valley for You (Caterham Business Improvement District), aims to make the area safer, more attractive and a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
The construction works are being managed by Walker Construction. They have been working hard to bring our vision to life despite facing several unexpected challenges, which have caused delays.
These unforeseen issues include, finding pipes and cables underground which were in the wrong places requiring plans to be adjusted, and broken pipes which had to be fixed. A damaged electricity cable also needed repairing urgently. Plus, bad weather and a diesel spill on the Caterham bypass have slowed construction down. These issues mean we now expect the project to complete in Spring 2025. Despite these setbacks, we are committed to completing works as quickly as possible.
Construction on the west side of Croydon Road will be completed in early October and planting of the raingardens will be done this autumn. Works are now beginning on the east side of the road, starting at the southern end and working north following the attached phasing plan. We will continue to monitor phasing as works progress to minimise disruption.
We appreciate your patience while this work continues with temporary traffic lights and partial road closures in place. We are making every effort to minimise disruptions.
We understand that these delays are frustrating; however, we are confident that the long term benefits for Caterham are worth the time and investment. Once finished, Croydon Road will have improved footways, new trees and raingardens, improved seating, improved bus stops and electric vehicle charging. These improvements will help to make Croydon Road a destination which supports the local economy and enriches the community.
We are committed to finishing this project as quickly and safely as we can and want to thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
More information and updates can also be found on Tandridge District Council's scheme webpage.
Works information
Who is carrying out the work?
Walker Construction has been contracted to carry out this work for Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and Caterham Valley for You.
What will they be doing?
The works being carried out include:
- From 12 February, creating a site compound on Timber Hill Road.
- Essential surface water repairs.
- Extending and improving footpaths and installing new paving.
- Planting more trees and greenery and installing rain gardens which will help sustainably manage surface water.
- Amendments to parking and bus bays and installing two electric vehicle charging spaces.
- Installation of sustainable urban drainage systems under the surface of parking bays and footways.
- Installation of benches and seating.
Traffic management
To carry out this work a traffic management plan will be in place, this includes temporary traffic lights and partial road closures. Every effort will be made to minimise traffic delays, although it is impossible to avoid completely.
Pedestrian access
At times we will need to temporarily close parts of the pavements. Alternative routes will be clearly signposted. For your safety and the safety of the crew and drivers, please use these routes.
Access to businesses
We'll always keep access to the businesses open. To cause as little disruption as possible, some drain work will happen at night.
Will it be noisy?
There will be some noise. Sometimes, the crew will have to work overnight to reduce disruption during peak times. Please note night construction will involve some noise.
What happens if the work is delayed?
This type of work can sometimes be delayed due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. We will keep you updated about any changes, please check for updates on:
- Road signs at each end of the works.
- This website and Tandridge District Council's scheme webpage.
Contact us
You can either talk to the site manager, or call:
- Hooke Highways traffic management hotline: 01934 733516.
- Walker Construction for site queries: 01296 733856.
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your support and patience.
To see a map detailing each phase of the works please visit Tandridge District Council's scheme webpage.
20 mph speed limit
We also propose to implement a 20 mph speed limit on the following roads:
- Farningham Road
- Commonwealth Road
- Mount Pleasant Road
- Colin Road
- Croydon Road
- Highfield Drive
- Crescent Road
- Timber Hill Road
- Station Avenue
- Church Hill
- Stafford Road
- Godstone Road
- Clareville Road
- Eothen Close
- Harestone Hill
- Harestone Valley Road
Drivers will be alerted to the 20 mph speed limit by a combination of signs and road markings.
Introducing a 20 mph default speed limit on these roads is intended to:
- Reduce vehicle speeds on our roads, particularly on those with a record of vehicles exceeding the speed limit
- Reduce the number and severity of accidents
- Create environments that make walking and cycling safer and more appealing
- Lead to an overall improvement in the liveability of neighbourhoods
- Aid the council's wider aim to improve air quality
A statutory consultation regarding the implementation of the 20 mph speed limit took place earlier this year. We will update this webpage with more information on outcomes and next steps in due course.
Consultation and engagement
In 2020, Tandridge District Council consulted with local residents, businesses and stakeholders. The feedback received helped shape the plans and development of the final designs. Road safety audits and technical appraisals were also carried out by Surrey County Council.
On Thursday 2 March 2023, a Croydon Road event was held and plans for Croydon Road's new look and feel were shared with members of the public. A panel of project experts were also in attendance to answer a wide variety of questions from the public.
A list of frequently asked questions about the scheme can be found on Tandridge District Council's scheme webpage.
Background
Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and the Business Improvement District are making changes to Caterham which aim to make the area more attractive for people to live and work in, as well as boosting the economy and creating more jobs.
These improvements are part of Tandridge District Councils bigger project to deliver the aspirations of the Caterham Masterplan.
