Visitors to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London and drivers in Surrey have been warned of five miles of traffic and roughly two hours of delays on Friday (May 24). This is affecting journeys made northbound on the A3 from the county close to Esher and Chessington.
National Highways has urged motorists in the area to allow extra travel time. Live traffic maps from the AA suggest congestion has spread to local roads in Esher town centre, while travel service Inrix reported people are diverting via the town and Sandown Park.
The disruption reportedly comes as a result of lane closures on the A3 northbound between the A244 Esher and the A309 Chessington to assist with Transport for London (TfL) “emergency repairs” at the Tolworth Underpass. Two of three lanes have been shut.
Read more: A3 traffic near Surrey with two-hour delays for Chelsea Flower Show for emergency repairs
National Highways confirmed lane closures are expected to remain in place throughout the morning, however, Inrix advised this could be “possibly all day”. Maps from the roads agency show congestion stretching back from the A309 Kingston Bypass to Esher Common. Further congestion can be seen on the A3 before the Esher Common Roundabout.
National Highways advised: “If you’re heading to The RHS today, please be aware there are delays of up to two hours due on the A3 northbound between A244 Esher and A309 Chessington due to TfL works at Tolworth Underpass. Approximately five miles of congestion. Two of three lanes closed.”
One person respond online to suggest delays are longer than two hours and claimed they are “more like three”. Up-to-date travel information can be found on SurreyLive’s traffic blog here.
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