A project to improve one of Farnham’s major roundabouts has been delayed after the planned contractor’s previous job overran.

Work at the Water Lane/A325 roundabout between the Shepherd and Flock and Six Bells roundabouts was due to start on Monday (March 4) and last for approximately 10 weeks.

However, due to the contractor for the project still needing to finish off a previous job, work has been delayed and will now not commence until Thursday (March 7).

The roundabout has long been considered one of the most confusing in the Farnham area with residents often complaining motorists are often using the wrong lane when trying to turn left.

The roadworks project will see a third lane added to the southwest-bound entry to the roundabout (as pictured below) – with clearer lane markings hopefully ending the debate over the confusing junction once and for all.

Surrey County Council's plans for the Water Lane/A325 roundabout in Farnham – including a third lane approaching the roundabout from the north-east
Surrey County Council's plans for the Water Lane/A325 roundabout in Farnham – including a third lane approaching the roundabout from the north-east (SCC)

Various lane closures will be in place on Water Lane and the A325 dual carriageway throughout the works.

There are also overnight closures on the Water Lane eastbound carriageway planned from Monday, April 29 to Thursday, May 4.

Surrey County Council will be installing traffic lights with a push button pedestrian and cyclist crossing (a toucan crossing) to replace the existing crossing point with islands near the roundabout.

To deliver the improvements, works will include excavating the road and pavement, installing the new traffic lights, and properly surfacing and finishing the road and pavement.

The works are part of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme (FIP) and have been funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy – money from property developers to fund local infrastructure improvements.

The next stage of the FIP will see improvement works to East Street opposite the Brightwells Yard development begin this summer, with the wider two-year-long town centre works beginning shortly afterwards.

After a summer start date was requested by county council leader Tim Oliver and MP Jeremy Hunt in December, the programme team has been working with the contractor on a phased delivery plan, with the aim of getting the town centre work started “as soon as possible” following discussion with residents and businesses.