Residents invited to watch new bridge installation

The Ash road bridge will replace a current level crossing

Residents are being invited to watch the installation of 19 beams, each one 24 metres long, using a 750-tonne crane as a new road bridge is built.

Work will be carried out between 4 and 6 May on the Ash road bridge, to create a new crossing over the railway.

The bridge will replace an existing level crossing which closes around eight times an hour or 150 times a day in total, with up to 25 minutes per hour of closure.

Guildford Borough Council's project aims to reduce traffic in the area and accommodate new homes due to be built.

A viewing area will be created on the site so people can watch the work.

This will include installing the 19 bridge beams, two of which weigh 45 tonnes and the remaining 17 weighing 27 tonnes each.

Permission has been given from Network Rail to carry out the work as part of a scheduled railway closure.

The viewing area will be open on 4 and 5 May between 10:00 and 12:00, and 16:00 and 17:00 BST.

With numbers limited, booking is needed by emailing [e-mail]