A major road in Woking town centre remains on track to reopen in mid-January having being closed throughout the busy Christmas and New Year period.
The A320 Victoria Way shut at the start of December after strong winds from Storm Darragh damaged and dislodged panels on the Hilton Hotel building. In a new statement, contractors have reiterated that work is expected to be completed in mid-January.
The spokesperson for the Sir Robert McAlpine building company, the design and build contractor for the Victoria Square development, told SurreyLive: "The repair work on the exterior rain screen panels of the hotel is progressing as planned, with completion anticipated by mid-January."
"We apologise for the disruption that the closure of Victoria Way is causing and appreciate the continued patience of the residents, businesses and visitors of Woking during this period."
According to Surrey County Council, highways improvement works on Victoria Way are expected to be completed on Friday January 10. However, it is not clear if this is the date the road will reopen as further work may be required.
The road's closure has caused over a month of disruption to drivers and pedestrians due to the road being arguably one of Woking's main route, passing right through the town centre. Additionally, the disruption has been heightened due to the timing; being closed during the 'busiest time of the year'.
Victoria Way was also closed in November due to similar safety concerns following strong winds from Storm Bert. On November 24, loose panels were noticed on the Green Car Park. This led to Surrey Police shutting the route and hotel guests at the Hilton were moved to the other side of the building as a precaution. The road was reopened a day later on November 25.
Councillor Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, commented on the second closure at the beginning of December, expressing her disappointment as the structure of the Hilton hotel building had already caused 'years of delays'.
The council leader said: "Whilst public safety is paramount, it is hugely disappointing news for Woking. We have already suffered years of delays due to issues with the hotel cladding. A further month of closures will cause inconvenience and delays to residents, businesses and visitors to Woking."
The Hilton hotel opened at the beginning of November 2024, after a number of delays. The hotel, which features 189 rooms, caused a closure of Victoria Way before it opened in October 2021 under similar circumstances after panels were dislodged and fell onto the road below.
