The meeting on 22 March 2024 was an update on the various infrastructure schemes in Farnham. The Board noted the progress that has been made on a range of schemes, including new 20mph zones and the installation of wayfinding totems.

Town Centre Improvements

The meeting received an update on the Town Centre Improvement scheme. Works are now scheduled to begin in September 2024.

The board were told that detailed design work is ongoing, and that several surveys have been carried out.

Councillor Powell raised concerns about the lack of cycling provision between Park Row and Long Garden Walk on Castle Street. She said:

we do need to look at areas where traffic is displaced as part of the town centre improvements (near the train station, Upper Hale Road and St Johns junction). Particularly the junction at St Johns where two planning applications have been submitted.

In response, officers confirmed that they will be carrying out a review of traffic and congestion in the town centre.

A31 Corridor

The Board received an update on the proposed improvements to the A31 corridor. The Department for Transport has invited Surrey County Council to submit an Outline Business Case for the scheme.

Officers told the Board that they are currently in discussions with the Department for Transport and Transport for the South East about the next steps for the project.

Borelli Park and Stride

The Board received an update on the Borelli Park and Stride project, which will create a new riverside shared cycle and footpath from South Street to the Riverside Car Parks.

The Board heard that the project has been delayed due to ongoing discussions about the replacement of a bridge over the River Wey as part of the Brightwells Yard redevelopment. The previous meeting was told that Waverley Borough Council would not be funding a 4m wide bridge, as requested by Surrey, and would only be funding a 2.5m wide bridge as per the planning permission for the development. This would mean that the bridge could not be used by cyclists. The Board heard that the Chairman had received a letter from the Chairman of The Farnham Society suggesting that the existing temporary bridge should be made permanent and improved to allow it to be used by both cyclists and pedestrians. Officers confirmed that this suggestion would need to be explored with Waverley Borough Council.

Officers also confirmed that preliminary designs have almost been completed and that an ecological walkover has been carried out.

20mph Limits/Zones and Speed restrictions

The Board were told that a review of the feedback received during the consultation on plans for a 20mph speed limit on Upper Hale Road is underway. A Traffic Regulation Order for the new speed limit has been advertised.

Water Lane Roundabout

The Board were told that construction work on the Water Lane Roundabout scheme began on 7 March 2024.

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

The Board were told that the final version of the Farnham Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan has now been endorsed. A prioritisation of schemes within the plan has been developed, and feasibility work has begun.

Wrecclesham and Western Bypasses

The Board received an update on the proposed Wrecclesham and Western Bypasses.

Officers told the Board that a review of the viability of the scheme is ongoing.