Starting today (Monday, 7 July), Thames Water will begin a major project along the Grand Junction Reservoir in Hampton, closing a key stretch of the A308 Upper Sunbury Road to westbound traffic for 15 weeks.

The works will install 180 metres of safety barriers between the road and the reservoir, and are set to run through to October 2025.

The project aims to protect water quality and public safety and slash the risk of vehicles or debris falling into it during an accident., but the road closure is already sparking fears among residents of gridlock and disruption to daily life in Hampton, Lower Sunbury and the surrounding areas.

Thames water is replacing roadside railing with crash barriers to prevent vehicles from entering the reservoir and contaminating water.

The closure will affect westbound traffic only, from Percy Road to Hampton Care Home. This is roughly a 350-metre stretch of road that is a crucial link between Hampton and Sunbury.

Traffic will be diverted through Hampton Hill and onto the A316 before returning south at Sunbury Cross. Eastbound traffic will remain unaffected.

While Hampton residents reportedly received advance notice of the project in May, many in Sunbury were reportedly unaware.

The Lower Sunbury Residents Association has been engaging with both Thames Water and Richmond & Wandsworth Councils to address key concerns.

Online forums and local social media groups have echoed frustration, reflecting fears of increased congestion, poor planning, and a lack of collaborative thinking between Thames Water and local authorities.

"It's yet another example of total mismanagement and poor timing," said one resident.

"They should have arranged with TfL to disable the ULEZ cameras on the diversion route, as happens when the M25 or A3 closes," suggested another.

To address public feedback, Thames Water is hosting a drop-in session on Wednesday 25 June from 4pm to 7pm at Hampton Library (TW12 2AB).