We are progressing with crossing improvements at Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead.
We're installing a new signalised toucan crossing over the A414. This will improve access for people walking and cycling between residential areas to the north and key local destinations, including the shops and leisure facilities at Jarman Park. The step-free crossing alternative to the existing footbridge will benefit vulnerable users and those crossing with prams, trolleys or bicycles.
We'll also be delivering new sections of shared-use path and improved lighting to provide better onward connections to National Cycle Network Route 57 and Adeyfield.
The scheme was consulted on in Summer 2023 and received overall support. We've outlined the results in the consultation report (PDF 2.38MB).
Construction started on 8 July and is expected to be completed in October 2024.
The work is being carried out in phases to minimise disruption:
- Phase 1: A414 eastbound lane closure, completed.
- Phase 2: A414 westbound lane closure, 9 August – early September
- Phase 3: A414 eastbound and westbound lane closures, early September – late September
- Phase 4a: A414 full road closure, eastbound only, 3 nights in late September – early October
- Phase 4b: A414 full road closure, westbound only, 3 nights in early October.
Vehicle access during construction
We'll need to close some lanes and roads on the A414 between Hemel Hempstead roundabout and Jarman Park.
The lane closures will only be in place during off-peak hours (9.30am – 3.30pm), Monday to Saturday.
Road closures will be in place to carry out the required surfacing work overnight (9pm – 5am). We'll divert the traffic during this time and make sure it's clearly signed in advance.
- Phase 4a: Vehicles travelling from Hemel Hempstead towards Jarman Park or M1 will need to follow the signed diversion route via Leighton Buzzard Road, Link Road, Redbourn Road, Swallowdale Lane, Maylands Avenue and A414 St Albans Road.
- Phase 4b: Vehicles travelling from Jarman Park or M1 towards Hemel Hempstead will need to follow the signed diversion route via A414 St Albans Road, Maylands Avenue, Swallowdale Lane, Redbourn Road, Link Road and Leighton Buzzard Road.
Bus services during construction
Some bus services may experience slightly longer journey times whilst the lane closures are in place (9.30am – 3.30pm).
We are continuing to engage with the bus companies operating along the A414 St Albans Road. More information can be found on the Intalink website.
Walking and cycling during construction
Access to the existing footbridge will be maintained throughout the works. There may be some short-term diversions in place.
Other works in the area
There are lane closures on Jarman Way at the entrance to the retail park. This is part of the Lidl development works and is separate from the Jarman Park crossing improvements. These lane closures are expected to be in place for approximately 6 weeks from August to early September 2024.
More about Hemel Hempstead - Jaman Park
The walking and cycling improvements in central St Albans are designed to:
- enhance north-south connections;
- complement existing active travel routes, including National Cycle Network Route 6 and the St Albans Green Ring;
- make it safer and easier to walk and cycle to the city centre, train station, council offices and local schools;
- support the objectives in the Local Transport Plan and Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy to decrease the number of trips people take by car, thereby reducing congestion, improving air quality, and boosting physical and mental health of local communities.
Delivery of improvements
We've scheduled the improvement works to begin on 24 June 2024 and continue until early September 2024.
Our highways contractor, Ringway, is carrying out the work in four phases to keep disruption to a minimum. We are working hard to minimise any impacts but apologise in advance for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while the improvements are completed.
Overnight carriageway resurfacing works
As the improvements near completion, some overnight road closures will be needed so that carriageway resurfacing works can be completed. These are expected to start at the end of August and continue into early September.
Update
The final phase of works on Marlborough Road, originally scheduled for the 5 and 6 September 2024, will now take place on the 16 and 17 September 2024. This is due to a delay in the delivery of materials.
You can find out more about the project and these overnight road closures on the St Albans scheme page.
We are delivering walking and cycling improvements in Welwyn Garden City town centre. This includes crossing improvements across Osborn Way and Howardsgate, dedicated space for cycling on Bridge Road (Hunters Bridge), Wigmores North and Fretherne Road, and the introduction of a town centre wide 20mph zone.
Building on the success of the completed Stonehills Square project, the scheme further enhances the town centre and makes travelling to, from and around Welwyn Garden City easier and safer for people walking and cycling.
Hunters Bridge
Work started on Bridge Road on 30 August 2022 and were completed on 20 January 2023. A permanent two-way cycle route has been installed on Bridge Road connecting to the existing shared use on Broadwater Road. A new crossing for people walking and cycling was also installed over Osborn Way, improving the connections into Welwyn Garden City town centre.
In parallel with the final town centre work, we'll be clearing vegetation and road marking at the junction of Bridge Road and access road south (leading to the station and the old Weetabix Factory).
Town centre
Work to improve walking and cycling routes in the town centre began on 1 February 2023. The main works were completed at the end of November 2023, including new raised crossings around Howardsgate. This has improved access around and through the gardens, and dedicates cycling space on Fretherne Road and Wigmores North to make it safer to cycle in and out of the town centre.
Some additional minor work will be undertaken later in 2024, including:
- 2 traffic islands at Fretherne Road (near Iceland)
- low railings at Fretherne Road (near Howardsgate)
- bollards at the junction of Parkway with Howardsgate
- bollards south of the pedestrian crossing at Osborn Way (Stonehills)
- bollards and tree pits at Stonebank.
Details will be provided in due course. Until then, the roads in the town centre will remain open.
More about the Welwyn Garden City town centre scheme