Updated: Main Guildford to Godalming Road Closed Until August 1

Published on: 22 Jul, 2024
Updated on: 24 Jul, 2024

Emergency road works have closed the main A3100 Old Portsmouth Road road between Guildford and Godalming at Peasmarsh, south of Guildford. It is not expected to reopen until August 1.

See update below.

Old Portsmouth Road closed. Extract from SCC roadworks map.

It has been reported that previous work work to fix a water pipe had failed, causing the further need for roadworks by Thames Water, but gas supply company SGN is also working at the site according to Surrey County Council’s roadworks map.

Warning of the closure is given to drivers several times on the A3100 out of Guildford. All photos Fiona Giles

A diversion is signposted taking Guildford-bound traffic from Godalming onto Broadford Road and the A281. Traffic from Guildford to Godalming, including buses, are also using this route.

But vehicle drivers heading southwards from Guildford can still be observed ignoring warning signs and proceeding until they come to a barrier near the Artington Park & Ride entrance .

A vehicle driving around the barrier with oncoming vehicle flashing lights.

Some drivers have been observed (see photo above) even ignoring this and driving around on the wrong side of the road, perhaps to access Quadrant Park or houses between the barrier and the closure. However, drivers hoping to get through to Godalming find the road completely blocked at Peasmarsh forcing them to turn around retrace their steps.

There is no way through at the A3100, Broadford Road roundabout…

… on either side.

At the roundabout, no workmen were observed when this photo was taken (July 22) but major excavations have commenced.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Our engineers are working to repair a burst sewage mains pipe on the Old Portsmouth Road in Peasmarsh. This is an emergency repair due to take place over the next two weeks, during which time a partial lane closure will be in place. We are very sorry to motorists and local residents for any disruption caused.”

It has been pointed out that today the road was completely closed.

Update. Yesterday Cllr Angela Goodwin (Lib Dem Onslow) posted this on social media:

Responses to Updated: Main Guildford to Godalming Road Closed Until August 1

Fiona Yeomans Reply

July 23, 2024 at 12:58 pm

It would be helpful if the “Road Closed” signs at the Guildford one way system end of Portsmouth Road were rather more explicit! Also surprised not to hear this mentioned on the Radio Surrey traffice bulletins.
Hilary Holness Reply

July 24, 2024 at 12:12 pm

For those of us that rely on the Park & Ride in Artington to get to work in Guildford, when travelling from Godalming, could a temporary site be sourced on the Godalming side of the diversion to travel in via Shalford, as an alternative route?

Parking in Guildford costs me £16.30 for the day, which is equivalent to 2-hours on my salary, after deductions, so makes it financially detrimental and incredibly stressful.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
- Keith Reeves Reply
  
  July 27, 2024 at 11:11 pm
  
  If finance is an issue, the Farnham Road and Guildford Park car parks cost £9 and £6 per day respectively.
  A return rail ticket from Godalming to Guildford is £8.20.
Alistair Smith Reply

July 25, 2024 at 2:56 pm

I second the comment on the woeful signposting on the roads.

It has been interesting as a resident living near to Portsmouth Road to enjoy the improvement in the environment due to reduced traffic, it makes walking into town far more attractive. If we could find a way to reduce traffic volumes along our town road network, whilst preserving connectivity it would be a real win.
Ian Macpherson Reply

July 25, 2024 at 7:13 pm

Park-and-riders from Godalming can still, I think, use the Park & Ride across from the hospital, accessed indirectly from the A3. I think the buses are hourly, but the keen can walk across to the RSCH bus stops. Those routes, of course, are themselves affected by the road works in Guildford Park and Madrid Roads.

I agree that this road closure has been mishandled. It’s a pity that the UK appears nowadays to have great difficulty organising things that Brunel would have sorted so much better.

I thank Angela Goodwin for a useful update. The information from SCC on the web is pretty vague.
- Keith Reeves Reply
  
  July 27, 2024 at 11:21 pm
  
  A cursory examination of (IK I assume, rather than Marc) Brunel’s record shows a history of technological and financial problems. I would be cautious before celebrating him unreservedly for ‘organising things’.
Warren Gill Reply

July 31, 2024 at 12:07 pm

Now if only the Horsham & Cranleigh line were open…
Stephanie Webster Reply

July 31, 2024 at 7:57 pm

Does anyone know if it will reopen tomorrow (August 1)?

Editor’s response: It reopened yesterday.