Surbiton Hill roadworks weeks overdue

Roadworks on Surbiton Hill continue to disrupt students commuting to Kingston University, with the maintenance initially scheduled to be completed by 2 November.

They began on 30 August, with the university reopening in September, adding to the discontent with the disruption.

Aimee Piggott, who studies nursing, said: “The roadworks really affect my journey, as the crossroads near Hollyfield School are now always clogged up during busy hours.”

Piggott drives to the University or Kingston Hospital, where she is based for her course’s placement, with both routes usually including the road that has been closed.

The Surrey Comet reported that Surbiton Hill Road is closed because of electricity works.

Multiple bus routes have also been put on diversions to avoid the roadworks, which has led to traffic in other parts of Surbiton.

The 406 and 418, which both go towards Epsom, now turn left at the Surbiton Hill crossroads and divert to Surbiton Station, a route which is usually covered by the 281 to Hounslow Bus Station.

The station has been notably busier due to these diversions.

Traffic jams have also been caused at other sets of traffic lights, particularly around the Surbiton Crescent area, during busy hours and especially in mornings.

There has also been some confusion, with buses not always following the diverted routes that have been put in place.

The works also mean that the Hollyfield Road and Maplehurst Close bus stations have been closed.

Disruptions have been heightened, as there were already many roadworks within Surbiton, with the beginning of the 2024 GoCycle project impacting Ewell Road, which is situated at the top of Surbiton Hill.

Students are hoping that the roadworks are completed soon so their commutes can return to normal, and journeys can be planned more easily to ensure they make it to their lectures on time.