Surrey drivers warned ‘rat slopes’ to be closed during major works at Coulsdon

Motorists are being warned of “rat packs” closures around upcoming roadworks in Coulsdon, aimed at preventing residential streets from becoming congested with diverted traffic.

The stretch of Coulsdon Road between Old Fox Close and The Grove is set to close from August 15, with Croydon Council warning that delays are “inevitable” until the end of the summer school holidays.

The roadworks are to replace vital stormwater drainage systems to alleviate flooding on Coulsdon Road and nearby properties. Originally scheduled to start today (Thursday 25 July), the start has been delayed following feedback from local residents, prompting the council to review its traffic management plans to minimize disruption.

The work is and is expected to be completed before local schools reopen after the summer holidays. A diversion route has been established, part of which passes through the ULEZ area.

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However, TfL has granted a special dispensation for this route, allowing non-ULEZ compliant vehicles to use it without penalty, although drivers of such vehicles are still encouraged to follow the official diversion to avoid fines.

Stites Hill Road, a local road leading to Caterham and intersecting with Coulsdon Road beyond the site, will remain open for two-way residential access. To prevent HGVs using this route, a width restriction will be implemented at its junction with Coulsdon Road, MyLondon reports.

For more information, see our interactive map below.

Despite the planned road closures, Tandridge District Council has assured residents that there will be no disruption to waste collection services scheduled for 20, 21, 27 and 28 August 2024. In partnership with Croydon, they will work with Surrey County Council in this matter. .

In an attempt to mitigate the impact, diversion signs will populate local roads with the aim of directing traffic away from the affected area. Furthermore, FM Conway, the contractor presiding over this plan, has agreed to extend its opening hours from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Sunday.

Signed diversion route through Coulsdon and bus changes

The council has also indicated a signed diversion route through Coulsdon. However, drivers should note that this passage reaches the ULEZ along the A23 Brighton Road. To avoid any fines, those who own non-ULEZ compliant vehicles must strictly follow the detour route.

For bus users, TfL Buses has developed alternative routes and will be informing operators and passengers alike. Anyone requiring information on these alternative bus routes should contact TfL Buses directly on 0343 222 1234.

An official from Croydon Council said: “Due to the nature of these works it is inevitable that there will be disruption and we have recommended that where possible residents use alternative routes and allow extra time to complete their journey.”

Jason Perry, Chief Executive of Croydon, said: “The roadworks taking place on Coulsdon Road are essential to repair the drainage system, which will help reduce flooding in the area. We have listened to the concerns of our residents and worked diligently with Surrey. County Council, Tandridge District Council and TfL to find a solution to minimize inconvenience. I am pleased that we have been able to reach this resolution which addresses these concerns and we are committed to ensuring that the work is completed effectively.

“We are delighted that our neighboring councils have supported us in developing our plans for these works to allow them to be completed over the summer holidays as this is when traffic is reduced in the area which we hope will be less disruptive people”.

Perry also acknowledged the potential disruptions, asking for the public’s cooperation: “We anticipate this will cause some disruption, but we ask drivers to be patient and cooperate with us so we can complete the work as quickly as possible.”

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