People who lived close to or ever used Rydes Hill Road will know that the road was finally repaired in 2011 after years of broken promises and delayed start dates.  The repairs took weeks to carry out.  It is really disappointing that problems are already showing where the surface appears to be breaking up.

There is a full meeting of Surrey County Council tomorrow morning and I took the opportunity to ask the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment what is happening and what is going to be done about it.  I set out below my question to him and his written reply.  As you will see, he has promised that highways officers will report to me in April letting me know what their investigations have shown and what will be done to resolve the problem.  I will report to residents once I have that information.

“CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT

 

(5)       MRS FIONA WHITE (GUILDFORD WEST) TO ASK:

Rydes Hill Road was added to the list of major road maintenance works about three or four years ago.  It finally worked its way to the top of the list.  Residents were given a number of dates for work to start but it never did and they almost gave up hope.  Then, about 18 months ago the contractors moved in and we achieved a really smooth road surface.  The residents were delighted.  Now that really smooth road surface is beginning to crack up.  I have reported the problem to our local Area Highways Manager.

Please would the Cabinet Member let me and my residents know:

(a)       why a road surface which was put down such a short time ago is cracking up already,

(b)       what is going to be done about it,

(c)       who will meet the cost of the repairs as Surrey taxpayers have already paid once?

Reply:

(a)       Following an initial investigation the issue is not due to poor workmanship, but as a result of issues with the sub-base, probably caused by a water leak below the road surface, which could not have been foreseen at the time of original works.

(b)       A site meeting has been arranged with Thames Water to agree solution, and we are awaiting the outcome of their own investigations to agree next steps.

(c)       If there is any fault found with the contractor materials or workmanship, then the scheme is covered by the 2 year guarantee and the contractor will repair at no cost to Surrey County Council. Equally where liability is accepted by Thames Water, the council will pursue the 3rd party to fund cost of repairs.

Investigations are continuing and Surrey Highways officers will contact Mrs White separately in April, with an update report and estimated resolution timescale.”

   Leave a comment