Stones Road Footbridge Replacement
May 25, 2010 8:00 AM
The bridge was built to replace the subway, which was prone to flooding
An fresh official notice is due to be published on 31st May 2010, similar to the one published on 7th January 2009, stating that the footpaths connecting Stones Road with Blenheim Road and Miles Road via the footbridge across the railway are to be closed temporarily sometime within the next 6 months.
The reason that the closures are needed is that the footbridge has reached the end of its useful life and will have to be demolished. A new bridge would have to have access ramps for disabled people and bicycles, which would be impractical, so the plan is to replace it by re-opening the old subway or "tunnel" under the railway.
Work has already been done on strengthening the subway a few years ago, but it needs a walking surface added. The footpaths leading to it were due to be resurfaced at the same time and the scheme should also resolve the problem of the bridge lights which failed some years ago.
A temporary alternative route is to be signposted via Hook Road, East Street and Victoria Place - and there is also another footbridge from Blenheim Road to West Street, Ewell.
The actual start date for the work is expected to be 5th July. This related to the date when SCC can get possession of the tracks for the work of removing the old bridge, probably during September 2010. The footpath is scheduled to re-open (via the subway or "tunnel") about 15th October.
The reason the work has been deferred from Spring 2009 to Autumn 2010 is believed to be entirely due to the need to protect the habitat of the rare and protected Great Crested Newt which lives in the Stones Road Pond. Its habitat includes the ponds on the allotment site between the Conifers travellers site in Kiln Lane and the footpath leading from Stones Road to the footbridge. Part of this site is needed as a temporary contractor's yard during the construction work.