Interim Solution for ‘Deadly Junction’ Improves Safety for Residents

Published on: 27 Feb, 2022
Updated on: 27 Feb, 2022

The Beechcroft Drive residents association Grim Reaper at the “Deadly Junction” with the A3 in 2019.

By Hugh Coakley

Chances of survival for Beechcroft Drive residents have improved.

After years of protest about Guildford’s “deadly junction” on the A3, residents were celebrating GBC’s decision to grant residents a 125-year licence to cross GBC land and avoid the junction altogether.

Beechcroft Drive Residents Association member, Mark Payne, said: “I think our MP, local council and University of Surrey have done a great job in creating this alternative that clearly improves safety for residents.”

He said a long-term solution from National Highways was needed warning: “The alternative access is not available to visitors, deliveries or key services so the Deadly Junction remains open. It is as dangerous as ever – both to residents and motorists travelling north on the A3.”

Arjen Naarfs, previous chair of Beechcroft Drive Residents Association, spoke to The Dragon yesterday (February 26) saying: “I only heard about this decision when you contacted me this morning and am very pleased to see recognition and progress on this decades-long issue.

New access from Beechcroft Drive residents is being formalised by GBC and the University of Surrey to avoid using the junction labelled “Deadly” by residents.

“Securing long-term alternative access will have a profound positive impact on the daily lives of all the residents and make the A3 safer for all.”

Residents said MP, Angela Richardson (above), the local council and the university “have done a great job”.

National Highways, which operates the trunk roads nationally, had ruled out any improvements to the Beechcroft Drive junction with the A3 despite Guildford’s former MP, Anne Milton describing it as “probably one of the most dangerous junctions in the country”.

See also: Highways England Confirm No Improvement Work On Deadly Junction (March 2019)

Residents had highlighted their plight dressed as the Grim Reaper and had posted numerous videos on YouTube.

Lead councillor for resources, Tim Anderson (R4GV, Clandon & Horsley), said: “This is good news for residents of Beechcroft Drive.

Cllr Tim Anderson

“Although this route, through the Manor Park campus, has been used informally for some time, this licence will formalise the access and give residents confidence that they can continue to use the safe route to their homes and avoid having to use the A3.

“The University of Surrey has also issued licences to residents for this route through the campus.

“This offer is not a permanent solution, but the licence permits the use of a route across our land for up to 125 years. We are now liaising with Beechcroft Drive Residents Association to take this forward.”

Andy Chalklin, chief operating officer at the University of Surrey, said: “We’re delighted that we have been able to help find a safe interim solution to this long-standing problem.”

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