Walton Bridge Update Jan 2011

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The Walton Society welcomes the announcement that construction is soon to start on the new River Crossing at Walton and that Ian Lake has stated that improvements at both ends of the bridgeworks will increase the rate of traffic flow, without attracting more vehicles to the area. We have been concerned for some time that without improvements to the junctions the hopes of thousands who cross  here every day that the new bridge is going to solve all the congestion, will sadly be dashed. We look forward to seeing what is proposed, but hope that this will involve a ban on right turns in and out of Walton Lane, as this has at long last been accepted as one of the main causes of disruption to traffic flow. We also hope that the Planners at Surrey Highways will appreciate that the siting of a pedestrian crossing on the bridge indicates a lack of understanding of the situation. With a well lit area under the bridge pedestrians will continue to find it safer to cross the carriageway by walking under the bridge.

 The Public Inquiry in 2005/6 resulted in the Inspector recommending that the various Orders applied for by SCC be not confirmed. This meant abandoning plans for the ‘clover leaf’ junction which was the reason for the choice of the type of bridge. Many of us would have preferred a simple bridge without  an arch above it,  that would have been more in keeping with most other Thames crossings. We still cannot understand why SCC did not go out to open competition for the design of the new bridge, as in these difficult financial times, it would have been a cheaper option. We do however feel that the new design is a significant improvement on the earlier proposals and safeguards the future of Cowey Sale as an amenity area for local residents.