Multi-Directional Gyratory is the Way Forward According to Leaked Memo

Published on: 1 Apr, 2016
Updated on: 6 Apr, 2016

The layout of Guildford’s gyratory has hardly changed since this photo was taken in the 1980s.

A leaked memo indicates that a radical and revolutionary solution is being considered to tackle Guildford’s perennial town centre traffic problems.

The memo, signed by an Iain Conmun, states that a two-tier gyratory system is being considered to cope with the ever increasing traffic levels.

But the extra tier is not all that is radical about the proposed solution, it is also suggested that one tier should operate in a anti-clockwise direction. According to the memo: “…this would allow motorists to spend as little time on the gyratory as possible.

“Currently if a motorist, wishing to leave Guildford on the A3100 towards Godalming, enters the gyratory from the A31 Farnham Road, he or she has to go right around the gyratory crossing the River Wey twice.

“With the new system the motorist would simply use the anti-clockwise tier to travel the hundred yards, or so, to the A3100 Portsmouth Road exit.”

One Guildford motorist, asked for his opinion early this morning (April 1), said: “Are they having a laugh? I can get dizzy on the gyratory already, when it’s moving that is. I think they’re just going round in circles with this problem. It’s a joke.”

Responses to Multi-Directional Gyratory is the Way Forward According to Leaked Memo

Harry Eve Reply

April 1, 2016 at 8:27 am

I heard that there would be a third tier for cyclists and pedestrians to keep them separate from the traffic. This third tier would also provide a high-level route between the station and the High Street and pass right through the Friary Centre where an empty shop would be turned into a bicycle parking area.

Concerns had been expressed about the impact on the view but, apparently, some consultants have been employed to explore the possibility of hanging gardens from the top tier downwards.
Bibhas Neogi Reply

April 1, 2016 at 10:51 am

Well, it is the 1st of April!

But a high level walkway from the railway station running above Bedford Road to the Friary is not that crazy at all. In fact it would be an entirely safe route for the pedestrians. I have been advocating such an idea for long time and included sketches showing this on my website.

Seriously though, there is no need for a second tier for traffic turning right from Farnham Road Bridge towards A3100 to Godalming. It would actually be possible to alter the current one-way Park Street and the Friary Bridge to ease congestion on Bridge Street.

Joking apart, such an alteration would enable a wider north footway on Bridge Street by removing the adjacent lane and make it safer. This has been a much discussed issue recently, however, I have had this suggestion on my website since 2009.
Caroline Reeves aka 'Pauline A Fastone' Reply

April 1, 2016 at 5:26 pm

I think the obvious answer for getting from the Cathedral/Stag Hill area into the town centre is an Emirates Airline style high wire with cabins taking people straight onto the top of the Friary Centre.

We are grateful to Cllr Reeves for volunteering to lead the way and demonstrate a high wire “death slide” prototype once in place. Ed
- Harry Eve Reply
  
  April 4, 2016 at 12:53 pm
  
  I think this a great idea but suggest that it starts at the railway station. The views of the river, High Street and countryside beyond would make this a wonderful tourist attraction.
  - Bibhas Neogi Reply
    
    April 5, 2016 at 1:04 am
    
    A slightly more down to earth and yet providing a wider view would be a enclosed high-level walkway between the station and the Friary. One could get a good view of Park Street and then when crossing the river, towards Onslow Bridge and Town Bridge as well as views of Woodbridge Meadows downstream.
    
    If GBC pushes the boat out, the walkway could even have Dubai style travelators.
Paul Spooner Reply

April 1, 2016 at 6:23 pm

I am extremely disappointed that this leak has occurred but am relieved that the accompanying paper confirming the new bus route through the Friary Centre has not leaked yet.
- Bibhas Neogi Reply
  
  April 3, 2016 at 10:25 am
  
  Okay, we’ve had fun on this subject but if this is from the real Paul Spooner, the leader of GBC, I would say, please, please consider the suggestions I’ve made on modifying the gyratory in the short term and then in the longer term that would enable a much better pedestrian environment in the town centre and a better flowing traffic through Guildford.
  
  Masterplan for Guildford is a bold vision, let us also be bold about creating traffic routes by building flyovers, bridges and tunnels that would really make the difference but keep historical Guildford town centre looking as it looks now and even better by opening up the riverside, an equally attractive town for visitors and shoppers.
Julian Lyon Reply

April 1, 2016 at 7:36 pm

Thought it would all end in tiers!
Malcolm Fincham Reply

April 1, 2016 at 9:44 pm

Anyone might think it was ‘April fool’s’ day with a story like this one? Surely not?
Helen Jefferies Reply

April 1, 2016 at 10:27 pm

If we had a bit more lateral thinking we might come up with a sensible solution to the current fiasco.
- Harry Eve Reply
  
  April 2, 2016 at 1:50 pm
  
  I regret that this suggestion may fall flat. Some councillors are clearly into blue sky thinking (which is good) and their ambitions have no ceiling.
Roland McKinney Reply

April 2, 2016 at 12:16 pm

Just think what fun it will be with another 20,000 or so cars on the roads when all these houses that GBC want to build are finished.
Bernard Parke Reply

April 2, 2016 at 1:58 pm

Caroline Reeves’ suggestion is not new, for it was John Brownrigg who suggested in the past that chair lifts should be made available to ferry car passengers from outlying car parks in the town centre.

Then, of course, there was the proposal of building a monorail from the university into the centre.
Claire Morris Reply

April 2, 2016 at 3:30 pm

Ha, ha! I presume this article has more to do with the publication date than a real proposal! Happy April fools day Guildford Dragon.

Thank you. We appear only to have caught out one reader whose identity we are protecting. Ed
- Bibhas Neogi Reply
  
  April 3, 2016 at 5:49 pm
  
  Would that be a MATTer of FURNIShing details that is likely to upset somebody we know? Sorry about the caps lock!