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 is due to start 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, 8 July – mid-August
- Phase 2: A414 westbound lane closure, mid-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 Friday.
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.
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, will carry out the works in 4 phases to keep disruption to a minimum. We'll be working hard to minimise the impact, and apologise for any inconvenience you might experience. We'd like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Overnight carriageway resurfacing works
As the improvements near completion, some temporary road closures will be needed so that carriageway resurfacing works can be completed overnight. These are expected to take place in late August and more information will be provided to those in the vicinity of the works closer to the time.
You can find out more about the project on the St Albans scheme page.
The road safety improvements on Water Lane at the junction with High Street in Watford have now mostly been delivered. We have rearranged the junction to encourage slower vehicle speeds and improve the visibility of people cycling southbound on High Street.
Final works
We will be installing coloured safety surfacing on the cycle lane along High Street at the junction with Water Lane.
This work is weather-sensitive, so unfortunately the final night of work planned for 14 June was postponed due to rain.
We'll confirm a date for the rescheduled work soon. When we do, we'll close the junction of Water Lane with High Street to all vehicles for one night between 10pm and 3am.
During this time, 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 continue 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 pavement with care.
The improvements
- 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.
Funded by the Government’s Active Travel Fund, 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.
For more details view the Water Lane construction plan (PDF 486KB)
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