FAQs
When will the road closure be in place?
The road closure will come into effect on Saturday 22 July 2023 and end on Sunday 3 September 2023, meaning it spans only six weeks. There will be clear signage before and during the closure and diversion, and we will be keeping local businesses and stakeholders updated on progress regularly. The summer holiday period has been chosen to minimise disruption as much as possible, as the school holiday period is when the road network is generally quieter. Our partner Clancy is undertaking the work on our behalf and they will be working extended hours on site, including weekends, to ensure no delays to the programme of works.
Opportunities are also being discussed with other contractors to undertake works at the same time as our closure is in place.
Following discussion with the relevant authorities there has also been a decision taken to implement a road closure at the entrance to Warren Road off of the A22. The diversion of Godstone Road could naturally lead to cars heading onto Warren Road to avoid a longer diverted route, and Warren Road is unsuitable to handle a significant volume of traffic seeking to divert from the A22.
Where will cars be diverted to?
Diversions will direct traffic along the A23 Brighton Road, through Coulsdon, Redhill, Godstone, and Whyteleafe, depending on its direction. The diversion route has been agreed with the London Borough of Croydon and TfL, and we have engaged with Surrey County Council, Network Rail and M25 Connect Plus to make sure all types of vehicles are accommodated for. The below map shows the diversion routes, and there will be clear signage in place to direct cars while the road closure is in place.
All other local roads will remain open for traffic to move around, as appropriate.
Why is the road closure and diversion necessary?
As part of our current Business Plan, our pledge is to reduce the risk of supply failures by ensuring 100% of properties in our supply area (280,000) are supplied by more than one treatment works by 2025. This forms part of a £45 million investment, over the 15-year period from 2010 to 2025, to lay new pipes and improve existing infrastructure, between key treatment works and pumping stations. It will directly benefit 27,000 properties in the Purley area and vastly improve the resilience of the local water supply network.
The closure of the A22 Godstone Road will allow for a major part of these works to be carried out to make crucial improvements to our infrastructure. We have explored all possible scenarios to achieve its Business Plan, and unfortunately there are no suitable courses of action other than laying water mains on this site.
How will businesses in the area be affected?
Pedestrian access to the affected roads will be maintained at all times, meaning businesses based here will still be accessible by foot and able to continue business as usual. Should you have a business located on the A22 Godstone Road, please get in touch with us to discuss your options by calling 01737 772000 or emailing customerhelp@seswater.co.uk. You can also refer to our loss of profit website page.
All affected businesses will be kept fully informed of the plans, timings, and how they will be impacted throughout the project.
Will my water supply be affected during the works?
We are not planning any interruption to your water supply during these works. However, if this changes we will notify you in advance.
Will Purley Train Station be affected?
The station will remain open and accessible throughout the works.
What will be your working hours?
The team will be working extended hours on site, including weekends, to ensure no delays to the work.
Will this work be noisy?
Due to some of the machinery needed you may be able to hear the works when nearby, but we are committed to keeping any disturbance to a minimum. Should you have any noise-related issues, you can get in touch via our main switchboard number 01737 772000 or email customerhelp@seswater.co.uk.
Will I be able to walk through the closed area?
Pedestrian access will be maintained, so you will still be able to get across the Purley Cross roundabout, and to businesses on the road. There will be a clearly marked route between the work area and pedestrian footpaths. One footpath will be closed by Tesco but an alternative access route will be provided.
Will cyclists be allowed through the closed area?
Cyclists will be able to safely pass through the works as long as they are are dismounted at all times.
What will happen to buses that have routes along this road?
Bus diversions have been agreed with TFL and will be clearly advertised.
Route 407 will run a separate/split service either Sutton to Purley Cross (Diversion A) or Purley Station to Caterham. ( Diversion B)
Diversion A
Route 407 towards Purley Cross: From Purley Cross (Jolly Farmers stop M - Purley Station, circumnavigate Purley Cross to Banstead Road, right Foxley Lane, ahead Pampisford Road, right Christchurch Road, right Brighton Road to stand at Brighton Road / High Street. (412/359 stand)
Route 407 towards Sutton: From stand, ahead Brighton Road to Purley Cross, left Purley High Street, right Whytecliffe Road South SERVE STOP H - Purley Station, ahead Purley Cross to stop P Purley Tesco's to normal line of route.
Diversion B
Route 407 towards Purley: From Godstone Road, bear right then left to Approach Road, ahead Purley Station Forecourt alight passengers at temporary stop Purley Station forecourt, change blinds to Caterham
Route 407 towards Caterham: From Purley station forecourt, ahead Approach Road, bear right and ahead Godstone Road to normal line of route
Route 412 towards Purley: From Downs Court Road junction of Godstone Road, ahead Approach Road to Purley Station forecourt to stand.
Route 412 towards Croydon Town Centre: From Stand at Purley Station, ahead Approach Road, ahead Downs Court Road to normal line of route.
Route 434 towards Whyteleafe: From Foxley Lane junction of Purley Cross 3rd exit onto Brighton Road towards Coulsdon, left Old Lodge Lane, left Burcott Road, left Higher Drive, right Northwood Avenue to normal line of route.
Route 434 towards Coulsdon: From Northwood Avenue junction of Higher Drive, left Higher Drive, right Bencombe Road, right Old Lodge Lane, right Brighton
Road, at Purley Cross, right and serve Purley Tesco stop and to normal line of route.
All other routes in and around the area Purley Cross area are subject to delays and disruption
To plan your journey during these works visit tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey or call TfL’s Contact Centre on 0343 222 1234.
How can I get in contact with SES Water?
Customers can email customerhelp@seswater.co.uk or post questions about the scheme via this website. For any phone queries, customers should call the main switchboard number: 01737 772000.