Major work to replace Woking's Elm Bridge under way

A major road in a Surrey town has been closed to traffic for the next 27 weeks to enable a new bridge structure to be built and moved into place.

The existing bridge in Elm Bridge in Woking, also known as Kingfield Road Bridge, is being demolished.

The work is a key part of the Hoe Valley Scheme which is set to protect nearly 200 homes from flooding along with a further 60 gardens.

The bridge will have a wider entrance that can cope better during heavy rain.

Diversions are in place , externalwith traffic between the town centre and Old Woking being taken along the A320, Vicarage Road and Westfield Road.

Councillor John Kingsbury, of Woking Borough Council, said: "We recognise that the road closure is likely to cause disruption to local people and would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused."

The Hoe Valley Scheme, once complete, will also protect Westfield School from flooding, extend and enhance Woking Park with footway and cycle facilities, and see the rebuilding of three other bridges across the Hoe Stream.