Wisley: Criticism of diversion signs during A3 closure

26 February

By Christian Fuller

BBC News, South East

Diversion signs used while the A3 was closed for bridge demolition work have come in for criticism for causing "absolute chaos".

The road was shut between the A247/B2215 near Send and junction 10 of the M25 near Wisley from 21:00 GMT on Friday to 23:00 on Sunday.

Surrey resident Helen Jeffreys said the diversion signage was "confusing".

National Highways said the issues were caused by motorists following sat-navs and ignoring signs.

The work included the demolition of the Old Wisley Lane bridge and the Cockcrow pedestrian bridge.

A 23-mile (37km) diversion was put in place, with drivers travelling northbound diverted via Send, West Byfleet, Byfleet and Cobham.

Motorists heading southbound, meanwhile, were taken via Leatherhead, Dorking, Shere and Newlands Corner.

'Very confusing'

Ms Jeffreys said the two diversion signs at junction 10 of the M25 were pointing towards a road which she said residents knew was closed.

"That was very confusing for people who don't know the area," she told BBC Radio Surrey.

She said many motorists were following their sat-navs and taken down roads not suitable for their vehicles.

"Honestly, it was absolute chaos all day," she said.

National Highways project lead Jonathan Wade said the project went "very well" overall.

"Some drivers will just take it upon themselves to follow a sat-nav and ignore the signs," he said.

"I have a lot of sympathy for residents in Ockham and Ockham Lane who had to put up with some quite inconsiderate motorists."

Ms Jeffreys also said it was "hugely concerning" it was planned on the same weekend the rail network was undergoing work.

Mr Wade said National Highways engaged with Network Rail and worked closely with Surrey County Council.

The works are part of the M25 junction 10 upgrade project which is expected to be completed by mid-2025.