Major weekend and overnight closures scheduled to allow structural repairs
Motorists in and around Guildford are being asked to prepare for further disruption on the A3 as National Highways moves into the next phase of work at the busy Dennis roundabout. Engineers have been repairing the junction’s bridge supports and bearings since May, and an escalation of closures has been set for late August.
The authority has confirmed a prolonged weekend closure of the northbound A3 from the Stoke Interchange to the Dennis Interchange. The carriageway will be closed from 9pm on Friday 21 August until 6am on Monday 24 August. On top of that, there will be overnight closures on Monday 24 August and Tuesday 25 August affecting both northbound and southbound lanes between the Dennis and Stoke interchanges.
- Weekend closure: A3 northbound closed from Stoke to Dennis — 9pm Fri 21 Aug to 6am Mon 24 Aug.
- Speed restriction: 40mph limit on the A3 southbound carriageway during the weekend closure.
- Additional overnight works: Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 Aug — closures on both northbound and southbound between Dennis and Stoke.
National Highways said the work is necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of the two-tier gyratory. The junction comprises large concrete abutments and bearings which have aged since construction. Project managers point out the structure is now 45 years old and requires careful maintenance.
“Safety is our top priority, and we have already made good progress on these essential repairs, while ensuring Guildford remains open for business,” said National Highways Project Manager Nick Axford.
What residents and businesses should expect
For daily commuters and businesses that rely on the A3, the planned closures are likely to mean longer journeys and changes to usual delivery and service timetables. While the official diversion for the weekend closure had not been published at the time of the announcement, National Highways has used similar diversion routes in previous phases of the scheme.
Local road users should therefore anticipate increased traffic on alternative routes and allow additional travel time. The 40mph limit on the southbound carriageway during the weekend works is intended to protect both road users and workers while traffic management is in place.
Work so far and the reason it is needed
Engineers have been working since May to repair the concrete structure’s bridge supports and bearings. Those components are critical to the long-term performance of the gyratory and cannot be restored without temporary closures and lane restrictions. National Highways says the measures already introduced have enabled progress while keeping the town accessible for trade and daily life.
| Period | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 9pm Fri 21 Aug – 6am Mon 24 Aug | A3 Northbound (Stoke Interchange to Dennis Interchange) | Full closure; diversion expected; 40mph on southbound |
| Mon 24 Aug (overnight) | A3 Northbound & Southbound (Dennis ↔ Stoke) | Overnight closures in both directions |
| Tue 25 Aug (overnight) | A3 Northbound & Southbound (Dennis ↔ Stoke) | Overnight closures in both directions |
Drivers are advised to plan journeys in advance and follow any temporary signage or directions from traffic officers. Local authorities, emergency services and businesses that depend on timely deliveries will need to factor these closures into their arrangements for the affected dates.
As the repairs progress, further temporary closures or traffic-management measures may be required. National Highways has said it will keep the public updated as work continues to ensure the junction remains safe and serviceable for the community in the long term.
