Multi-million pound plans to improve the A31 Farnham Bypass have taken another step forward as the scheme now has approval from both the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Treasury to progress to the next stage of planning.

Part of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme (FIP), the plans for the ‘A31 Farnham corridor’ include major changes to the Shepherd and Flock roundabout, Hickley’s Corner and the Coxbridge roundabout.

Detailed plans have not yet been revealed, but a 2022 consultation suggested improved walking and cycle routes with better connections between south Farnham and the town centre, particularly in the station area, as well as extra lanes on the A31 and widened roundabouts.

Bolder options included a new roundabout at Hickleys Corner and an underpass connecting Station Hill and South Street, allowing local traffic to “run freely” underneath the A31, and a potential new junction connecting the A31 directly to Firgrove Hill.

The Surrey County Council-led FIP team says its scheme will ease congestion and delays, improve safety, improve public transport, improve walking and cycling at Hickley’s Corner, improve links between north and south Farnham, reduce the impact of the level crossing, and support efforts to improve air quality across the town.

But because of the A31’s position on the strategic road network and expected multi-million pound costs, a business case must first be agreed to secure government funding.

The FIP submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case in November 2021, and this is now being reviewed by the programme team at Surrey County Council with the Department for Transport (DfT) to ensure it is up-to-date, cost-effective and meeting the latest guidelines.

To progress to the next stage of approval – an Outline Business Case – there will be more detailed designs, and impacts on traffic across the town, pedestrians, cyclists and the environment will be assessed in more detail.

There will also need to be a public consultation on the proposals – including a preferred option for Hickley’s Corner.

The last stage is a Final Business Case when the DfT will decide if it will fund the scheme.

The FIP board – including representatives from Farnham, Waverley and Surrey councils as well as MP Jeremy Hunt – received an update on the plans at its meeting last Friday.

More information about the A31 plans can be found on the expired 2022 consultation web page here: https://tinyurl.com/FIPA31plans