Stones Road "tunnel" open

At last, the long-awaited Stones Road underpass has been re-opened. Surrey County Council's contractor still has some work to do on site, but local residents have already passed through it today, ahead of the "official" opening this Monday.

There are still cosmetic finishing touches required, and Engineers are still trying to trace and correct a slight leak in the tunnel's new lining that causes a drip when it rains. However the closure imposed some 60 years ago, when the concrete footbridge was erected, has finally been reversed.

Local families who have been hoping to use it since September 2010 (yes 2010 not 2011) will be relieved. Residents in Stones Road itself may be less enthusiastic.

As can be seen in the photo (supplied by Surrey County Council) taken just before the underpass was opened, a barrier has been installed that is intended to prevent motor-cycles using it and to get cyclists to dismount, whilst allowing free passage for push-chairs and wheelchairs. This may need monitoring to ensure it is effective.