Hertfordshire County Council will shortly be completing the road safety improvements on Water Lane at the junction with High Street in Watford.
The project involves rearranging the junction to encourage slower vehicle speeds and improve the visibility of people cycling southbound on High Street.
In April, Hertfordshire County Counci completed the main work:
- The existing two-lane approach to the junction with High Street has been reduced to one, and the footway on the northern side of Water Lane widened;
- A raised table has been constructed at the junction to encourage slower vehicle speeds;
- Better signage has been installed on Water Lane approaching High Street to make those who drive more aware of people cycling and walking along High Street.
Final works: Friday 14 June 2024
The final night of work at the junction of Water Lane and High Street in Watford has now been rescheduled for Friday 14 June 2024. This work, originally planned for late May, unfortunately had to be postponed due to an unexpected vehicle breakdown.
The same planned arrangements will be in place to install the new anti-skid surfacing:
- The junction of Water Lane with High Street will be closed to all vehicles from 10pm Friday 14 June to 3am Saturday 15 June*
- Access to properties and businesses on High Street, Smith Street, The Crescent, Granville Road, George Street, Church Street and New Street will be via Exchange Road and Cambridge Road.
- Bus services 142, 258, 306, 321, 328, 602 & 635 will use Exchange Road to serve the ring road stops and won’t serve the stops in the town.
- Access will be maintained for people walking. There may be some short-term diversions which will be clearly signed. Those cycling southbound on High Street will be asked to dismount near the junction with Water Lane and share the footway with care.
- We are working with Atria Shopping Centre to provide arrangements for deliveries.
* Please note, the safety surfacing being implemented is weather-sensitive so, if rain is forecast, the work may need to be rescheduled.
The final night of work will mark the completion of an important road safety scheme to encourage slower vehicle speeds at the junction and improve the visibility of people cycling southbound on High Street.
The improvements complement the existing cycle networks through the heart of the town centre, with onward connections to Cassiobury Park to the north and the National Cycle Network Route 61 to the south. The project supports the commitment to sustainable travel, improving the health and wellbeing of communities, making towns cleaner, less congested and better places to live, work and visit.
More information can be found online: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/activetravelfund
Enquiries about the works on site can be directed to Hertfordshire County Council’s Contact Centre on 0300 123 4047 or emailed to our dedicated email address: ATFConsultation@hertfordshire.gov.uk
