Surrey Highways successfully completed a complex and high-impact infrastructure project on the Canal Aqueduct Bridge over the A331. This vital scheme, which involved extensive dredging, waterproofing, and structural upgrades, marks a significant achievement in maintaining Surrey’s transport resilience while preserving its natural heritage.
The Canal Aqueduct Bridge, a key structure carrying the canal over the busy A331, had been showing signs of wear due to age and environmental exposure. To ensure its long-term integrity and safety, Surrey Highways initiated a comprehensive refurbishment programme. The works included dredging and cleaning the canal to improve water flow and ecological health, replacing the outdated waterproofing system to prevent future water ingress, and renewing the bridge’s expansion joints to accommodate structural movement and temperature changes.
The project presented a unique set of challenges, requiring meticulous planning and coordination across multiple agencies. Surrey Highways worked closely with the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust, local councils, and traffic management teams to ensure minimal disruption to both road users and canal traffic. The team also engaged with local residents and businesses to keep them informed and involved throughout the process.
The project was scheduled during off-peak times to reduce disruption, with clear signage and diversions for road users. Environmental protection was a priority, with steps taken to safeguard wildlife and water quality during dredging.
The Canal Aqueduct Bridge project showcases Surrey Highways’ dedication to safe, sustainable transport and the value of proactive maintenance in preserving vital infrastructure.
As Surrey continues to invest in its highways and transport systems, projects like this demonstrate the value of forward-thinking infrastructure planning. The Canal Aqueduct Bridge now stands not only as a functional asset but as a symbol of Surrey’s dedication to engineering excellence and community-focused delivery.
