A3 Guildford – Average Speed Camera Installation and Junction Improvements
Safety is Highways England’s top priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety we will be undertaking the following improvements at Guildford in 2019.
Average Speed Cameras
Highways England will be introducing average speed cameras on the northbound 50mph speed limit section through Guildford, between the Hogs Back and Wooden Bridge junction. Speeding vehicles and incidents on this busy downhill section of road are widely acknowledged issues. Average speed cameras should help to make the road safer by reducing congestion caused by incidents and also smooth out traffic flow.
Average speed cameras have been shown to encourage a better level of compliance with speed limits over longer distances. They can also have a traffic calming effect as vehicle speeds tend to be more consistent and reduces the need for heavy braking, and the risk of incidents.
The cameras will be yellow in colour and will have clear signage so that drivers know they are there. ‘Average speed check’ signage will be installed at the entry point to the enforced section and additional repeater ‘camera’ signs will be installed along the length of the enforced section to remind drivers.
Installation works on the A3 will be carried out at night for which carriageway and lane closures will be needed. These closures will be communicated in advance. Installation is expected to take place in 2019.
University Interchange
The northbound exit slip road at the University Interchange currently operates at near full capacity due to high volume of northbound traffic leaving the A3. The existing exit slip road will be extended back towards the main A3 carriageway and widened to provide more capacity
The existing footpath between the slips will be closed and an improved footpath will be installed along the slip road up to Egerton Road.
Improvements will bring better traffic flows through the junction reducing the tailbacks on the slip road.
Stoke Interchange
The southbound exit slip road currently operates at near full capacity due to the volume of traffic leaving the A3 at the junction, leading to tail backs on the A3 southbound carriageway. The existing slip road will be widened to bring the existing narrow lanes up to current standards and to extend the length of the marked lanes.
Their scheme will also incorporate improvements in the traffic signals in conjunction with Surrey County Council. Improvements will bring better traffic flows through the junction reducing the tailbacks on the slip road and dual carriageway.
Traffic Management
For the safety of their workforce and customers, it is expected that the majority of the work will be done using overnight lane closures and overnight closures of the slip roads at the University and Stoke Interchanges.
There will also be a requirement to close the slip roads at the Stoke Interchange over two weekend periods, to allow their works to be combined with those being undertaken by the local highway authority. Dates are yet to be confirmed, but will be communicated to our customers in advance.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place which will be agreed with the local highways authority and Surrey Police
Public Information Event
To provide more details on the work and the traffic management restrictions which will be in place, an information event will be taking place where representatives from Highways England and Kier Highways (the principal contractor) will be available to answer any questions relating to the scheme.
The events will be held on Friday 18 January between 2pm and 8pm; and on Saturday 19 January between 11am and 5pm at The Guildhall, High Street, Guildford, GU1 3AA.
Highways England have been in consultation with Surrey Safety Camera Partnership, Surrey Police and the Asset Support Contractor about these proposals.
If you have any questions about these proposals please contact us on 0300 123 5000 or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk
