A3 to Close for Weekend in January for Pedestrian Bridge Installation

The A3 in Surrey will undergo a complete weekend closure in January for the purpose of installing a pedestrian bridge. This closure, situated south of its junction 10 with the M25, is scheduled to affect both directions of traffic, commencing at 21:00 GMT on 17 January and concluding at 06:00 on 20 January. According to National Highways, the Cockcrow Bridge is set to become the United Kingdom’s inaugural heathland green bridge. Its function will be to link the commons located on opposing sides, thereby establishing a secure passage for local wildlife. This undertaking forms a component of a larger £317m initiative aimed at enhancing junction 10, which is identified as the most heavily trafficked segment of the M25, experiencing daily transit of over 300,000 vehicles. Jonathan Wade, a project manager for National Highways, previously stated that this bridge, alongside other scheduled developments, is intended to decrease the frequency of short trips undertaken by drivers and motivate them to “switch for a walk or cycle.” Furthermore, plans include the removal of trees originally planted for timber on both sides of the A3, to be substituted with indigenous heathland vegetation. During the weekend commencing 17 January, the A3 will be inaccessible up to the junction at Send for the B2215/A247. Detour routes will be established: southbound traffic will be directed through Cobham, Chessington, Great Bookham, and Effingham, before rejoining the A3 at Send; northbound traffic will proceed via East Clandon, Effingham, Fetcham, and then onto the M25 in the direction of Wisley. Prior closures in the vicinity of junction 10 have resulted in the complete shutdown of the M25, with two additional full closures of the orbital road anticipated for spring 2025. For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.