Compton Route to Close for Pipe Installation

Published on: 25 Oct, 2018
Updated on: 27 Oct, 2018

Map showing Down Lane, Compton – Google Maps

By Will Parsons

Down Lane, in Compton, off the A3 Guildford and Godalming bypass, is to be partially closed while Thames Water carries out pipe upgrades, diverting traffic onto the A3. The works will begin next Monday, October 29 (2018), and are scheduled to run for seven weeks.

Over 800 metres of aged lead and concrete pipes will be replaced with more resilient plastic pipes, less prone to leaks and bursts. The road will be closed to cars and other motor vehicles between the junction with The Street (B3000) in Compton, and Watts Gallery.

A diversion will be put in place throughout the works, redirecting traffic along the A3.

Jon Wickens, Thames Water project manager, said: “The pipes in Down Lane have been repaired a number of times in recent years so it’s time to replace them to cut down on emergency ad-hoc roadworks and ensure we can provide our customers with a reliable water supply that’s fit for the future.

“We want our work to have as little impact on residents and business as possible so we’re making sure they still have access to and from their properties. Although we appreciate our work will add time to journeys, feedback from our customers is they want to see us investing money and upgrading our ageing network of pipes to reduce leaks and bursts.”

A spokesperson from Thames Water assured The Guildford Dragon NEWS that Stagecoach would be moving the affected bus stops to the top and bottom ends of Down Lane and that pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the road.

Asked about the possibility that the closure might reduce custom for businesses along the road, including Watts Gallery, they added: “We will be putting up ‘Businesses open as normal’ signs at both ends of Down Lane, and also add this to the signs Watts Gallery has throughout Guildford.”

A spokesperson for Watts Gallery said they were “grateful” for Thames Water carrying out the works on the pipeline and “future proofing it against bursts in the near future.”

They added: “Thames Water notified us in advance and is working with us to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible for our visitors and staff.

“We thank Thames Water for being flexible in their working practices and can confirm that we will have clear access from both ends of Down Lane on all weekends throughout the work and also for our Christmas Weekend (November 24 – 25).”