Some Positive Reaction As Phase Five of the Ash Bridge Project Begins

Published on: 12 Feb, 2025
Updated on: 14 Feb, 2025

View of the level crossing as the new road works begin

By David Reading

Work began in Ash this week on the reconstruction of Ash Church Road between Britten Close and the railway station.

The road was closed to traffic as diggers and other construction vehicles moved in.

The work is part of Phase Five of the Chester Bridge project and is expected to last for around nine weeks.

The new bridge opened on Saturday (February 8) and already appears on Google Maps.

Although these are early days, the negative comments that have been expressed on social media since the opening appear to have abated. There was a hitch in the plans on Saturday when temporary traffic lights in Foreman Road – installed to aid pedestrians – were stuck on red. But no further traffic problems have been reported, even in rush hour.

Safe route for pedestrians on their way to and from the station

As one person on social media said: “It appears moaning of the opening of the bridge is lowering.”

Another said: “I think most people have realised that it is so much better now. Even the temp traffic lights are changing quite frequently.”

And another: “I do that journey six times a day during the week and it’s really changed for the better.”

The Phase Five work of the project includes:

Closure of the level crossing to motorised traffic
Reconstruction of Ash Church Road between Britten Close and Foreman Road
Closure of the junction of Ash Church Road and Foreman Road temporarily

9am Wednesday: The No.20 passes over the new bridge

During this phase of the work, cars, light vehicles and the Number 20 bus are being diverted from Ash Street along Grange Road, Foreman Road, over the new bridge, and through the new Wildflower Meadow Estate. Traffic rejoins Guildford Road at the “Dover Arms” roundabout, and vice versa.

The view from the entrance to Foreman Road – the new road works begin

The council says that while the diversion is in force, HGVs are being advised to take a longer diversion route from the A331, along the A31 and A3, then back to Ash via the A323.

The intention is to reduce heavy traffic on the narrower roads of the diversion route. HGVs will be able to use the bridge at the end of Phase Five, in about nine weeks’ time.

The council says pedestrian and cyclist access to the railway station is being maintained throughout Phase Five, with a signed diversion between Grange Road and Ash Church Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are still be able to cross the railway at the level crossing, and also use the new bridge.