Ash Road Bridge
At Ash Road in Surrey, VolkerFitzpatrick has designed and build a much-needed highway crossing over a rail line on behalf of Guildford Borough Council.
The new bridge replaces the A323 level crossing, significantly improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and boosting safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Construction of the new bridge and retiring of the level crossing is in preparation for “enhanced rail use on the North Downs line”.
Backed by a £19 million investment, including support from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, the project included the construction of new approach roads, junction improvements, landscaping, and sustainable drainage systems.
The Ash level crossing, historically closed for up to 25 minutes every hour, had become a serious bottleneck for local traffic and a growing concern as rail services increase. The new bridge provides a long-term solution—improving journey times, air quality, and pedestrian and cyclist safety, while unlocking new housing opportunities as outlined in the local plan.
As well as the construction of a new bridge, VolkerFitzpatrick will be delivering new approach roads, new junctions and altering existing roads to connect to the bridge. The installation of street lighting, landscaping, fencing, drainage and ponds will also be included in the project.
Current project updates can be found here.
Engineering Excellence and Early Delivery
In May 2024, a major milestone was achieved when 19 bridge beams were lifted into place over a live railway in just 13 hours—completed during a single possession weekend with no service strikes, incidents, or delays. The bridge has been delivered ahead of programme and with strong financial performance, despite challenges such as supply chain issues and unexpected materials contamination.
The scheme earned a 45/45 score from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, alongside high praise for its client satisfaction and zero-accident safety record.
I am pleased to say that work on the Ash Road Bridge project has begun, and will support new housing in the area and improve safety for road and rail users. It will also significantly reduce traffic congestion on the A323, help to improve air quality and rat-running.
Cllr Tom Hunt Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration
Community, Social Value, and Sustainability
VolkerFitzpatrick placed community engagement at the heart of its delivery on the project. The team generated over £13 million in social value, with more than £5 million directly benefiting the Ash community. Initiatives included donating white goods to families in need, funding a local youth worker to help reopen the youth club, and Educational outreach through site visits, career talks, and work experience placements with local schools
VolkerFitzpatrick also hosted site events for over for over 200 residents, including a beam-lift viewing platform, community drop-in sessions and inviting residents to name the bridge, which is now called Chester Bridge after a historic resident.
These efforts earned the team a CCS Bronze Award, recognising their commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in Ash.
In keeping with the company’s wider commitment to sustainable construction, local suppliers were used wherever possible, and materials were responsibly sourced—building on the environmentally conscious practices, such as solar panels, green roofs, and sustainable drainage systems.
