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Hertfordshire County Council

Active Travel England's active travel fund have awarded us £9 million since November 2020, plus a further £4.6 million in May 2023 which we're using for schemes in Digswell, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Watford, Welwyn Garden City and Wheathampstead.

These support the objectives in our Local Transport Plan, Sustainable Hertfordshire strategy and Active Travel Strategy to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle. This will improve health, air quality, road safety, the local economy and traffic congestion.

Under construction Proposed projects Completed projects

 


Under construction

St Albans (central)

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 October 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 main improvement work has been completed in St Albans, with some minor works still outstanding.

You can find out more about the project on the St Albans scheme page.

Welwyn Garden City town centre

Building on the success of the completed Stonehills Square project, we are delivering improvements to further enhance the town centre and make travelling to, from and around Welwyn Garden City easier and safer for people walking and cycling.  

We have delivered:

  • Dedicated space for cycling on Bridge Road, Wigmores North and Fretherne Road to make it safer to cycle in and out of the town centre.
  • Crossing improvements over Osborn Way and around Howardsgate to improve access around the gardens.
  • A town centre wide 20mph zone to create a calmer town centre environment.

 

Final works

From 20 January until early February 2025, we will be undertaking work to finalise the town centre improvements. This includes new road markings and street furniture at Bridge Road; new traffic islands and drainage at Fretherne Road; and signage and verge improvements at Parkway.

The work will be delivered in phases and will involve temporary closures on Fretherne Road, Parkway and Bridge Road.

 

Fretherne Road

  • Dates: 20 – 26 January
  • Road closure: Fretherne Road closed 24/7 between Howardsgate South and Church Road
  • Access: Egress from the town centre via Wigmores North or via Howardsgate South / Church Road and Parkway.

 

Parkway (southbound)

  • Dates: 27 January – 2 February
  • Road closure: Parkway (southbound) closed between Howardsgate North and Howardsgate South (daytime closure only between 8am – 4.30pm)
  • Access: No direct vehicle access along Parkway from The Campus to Church Road. Access into the town centre maintained as normal from Parkway into Howardsgate, exiting via Howardsgate South onto Parkway, or via Fretherne Road or Wigmores North.

 

Bridge Road (westbound)

  • Dates: 3 – 4 February (one night)
  • Road closure: Bridge Road (westbound) closed in the direction of the town centre between 8pm – 5am. Bridge Road eastbound to remain open
  • Access: Follow the signed diversion route via A1000 Bessemer Road, A1000 Broadwater Road, A6129 Stanborough Road, B197 Great North Road, B195 Valley Road and B195 Bridge Road.

 

Some bus services will be on diversion whilst Parkway (southbound) and Bridge Road (westbound) is closed. More information about the bus services affected and the diversions will be available at relevant bus stops and on the Intalink website: www.intalink.org.uk/service-updates

More about the Welwyn Garden City town centre scheme

Hemel Hempstead – Boundary Way, Buncefield Lane and Three Cherry Trees Lane

Hertfordshire County Council is delivering a safe and consolidated walking, wheeling and cycling corridor through Maylands, to connect people between their workplaces and homes in and around Leverstock Green, Maylands and Woodhall Farm.

Buncefield Lane quietway

The southern section of the quietway between Green Lane and Boundary Way roundabout has been completed. This includes a new signal-controlled crossing at Breakspear Way and shared-use path between Green Lane and Breakspear Way.

Improvements to the junction with Three Cherry Trees Lane have been completed and Buncefield Lane is now permanently closed to motor vehicles, with bollards installed to create the quietway. Final minor work is underway to complete the northern section of the quietway between Boundary Way and Cherry Trees Lane. However, the quietway is now open for walking, wheeling, and cycling.

Boundary Way roundabout

We are introducing a ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout at Boundary Way to link the two sections of the quietway, providing a junction that is more inclusive of all road users. The improvements include a dedicated space for people cycling around the entire junction, separated from vehicle traffic, as well as pedestrian crossings and widened footways.

Construction of the roundabout began on 6 January, with completion anticipated in summer 2025.

The roundabout at Boundary Way is currently closed, with no direct access between the Maylands area and Green Lane towards the M1. A diversion route is in place via Breakspear Way and Maylands Avenue. This route is signed, but please plan ahead and avoid travelling at the busiest times if at all possible.

Three Cherry Trees Lane closure

Please note that from the afternoon of Sunday 9 February, Three Cherry Trees Lane between the junction with Cherry Tree Lane and Green Lane, will be closed in both directions until the Boundary Way roundabout works are completed in the summer. This decision has been made following an ongoing review of the traffic management of the scheme and safety concerns raised by the local community and stakeholders.  A large and increasing number of vehicles are ignoring the current one-way closure that is in place putting themselves and other road users at risk. Following engagement with stakeholders it is unfortunately considered necessary to close the road in both directions to ensure the safety of all users.

 

Find out more about the Boundary Way and Buncefield Lane scheme, road closures, and diversions

For more information on the closure of Three Cherry Trees Lane closure, please refer to the Q and A document

 


Proposed projects

Oaklands and Woolmer Green

We are proposing improvements to make local journeys safer and easier in Oaklands and Woolmer Green.

The proposals aim to:

  • Provide more pavement space on the footway to make it safer and easier for people to walk in the local area
  • Reduce the speed limit through the two communities
  • Lower noise pollution levels by reducing car speeds
  • Connect people to their schools, shops and local amenities without the need to use the car
  • Improve the village experience in Oaklands and Woolmer Green

In February 2023, we asked for your feedback on our early proposals and have updated our designs following a careful review of the responses received. The results indicated local support for improvements, particularly safer crossing points, more space for people walking and a reduced speed limit.

View the results of Oaklands and Woolmer Green - Early engagement (PDF 1.49MB).

Subject to funding availability, we are proposing to:

  • Create new crossing points and make improvements to existing ones
  • Reduce speed limits and introduce traffic calming measures
  • Widen footpaths in key areas

The consultation on the updated Safer Routes to Schools proposals has now closed (7 October 2024). We are currently reviewing the feedback received. Thank you to everyone who participated

More about the Safer Routes to School – Oaklands and Woolmer Green scheme

Coming Soon

Hertfordshire County Council is also developing proposals for a 20mph Zone in Oaklands and Woolmer Green which would mean slower speeds and safer crossing on several of the residential side roads. Residents will be consulted separately on these proposals via letter. Please note that the proposals for the B197 and the 20mph zone are independent.

Stevenage – High Street, Old Town

We are proposing improvements to the High Street in Old Town, Stevenage.

The project aims to:

  • create a safer, more pleasant place for everyone to enjoy and spend more time
  • make it easier and more convenient for people to walk, wheel and cycle in the area.

Feedback from our early engagement period in May/June 2023 was reviewed and published, and helped to develop our designs: High Street Old Town Stevenage - Early engagement (PDF 1.63Mb)

We're reviewed the feedback received during our public consultation period held in February/March 2024 and you can now view the consultation report: Stevenage High Street Improvements Consultation Report (PDF 3.48MB)

Buntingford – High Street

Following the successful delivery of the new shared-use path and crossing points along London Road and Station Road, we are now seeking your feedback on proposals to further improve walking and cycling along High Street in Buntingford.

The improvements on High Street were originally consulted on in 2021 and, after considering feedback from the local community and councillors, we have updated the designs along High Street.

The proposals for High Street (Hare Street Road – Vicarage Road) aim to:

  • Create safer, easier-to-use spaces for people walking and cycling
  • Reduce the speed limit through High Street
  • Provide safe places for people to cross the road
  • Improve the overall village experience in Buntingford

The consultation on the Buntingford High Street proposals has now closed (10 November 2024). We are currently reviewing the feedback received. Thank you to everyone who participated.

More about the improved walking and cycling proposals in Buntingford (High Street).

 


Completed projects

Hemel Hempstead – Jarman Park

We have successfully completed the crossing improvements at Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead. A new signalised toucan crossing over the A414 has been installed, enhancing 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. This step-free crossing provides an alternative to the existing footbridge, benefiting vulnerable users and those crossing with prams, mobility scooters, or bicycles.

Additionally, we have delivered new sections of shared-use path and improved lighting, providing 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 in July and the new crossing opened in October 2024.

More about Hemel Hempstead - Jaman Park

Hertford - Brickendon Lane

Following a petition by the local community to improve road safety at Brickendon Lane, a new zebra crossing has been installed near the junction with Mandeville Road to provide a safer route to schools and the town centre for local residents. The scheme also plays a crucial part in joining up our network of footpaths to provide better accessibility for all.

In addition to the crossing improvements, we have introduced traffic calming measures to slow vehicle speeds, with a cycle bypass, to create a safer environment for local residents choosing to use sustainable and active travel options. We have also cut back vegetation at the junction with Mandeville Road to improve visibility and upgraded bus stops.  

The improvements were delivered in August 2023 as part of our Safer Routes to School programme, which promotes safer and healthier ways of travelling to and from school. 

Letchworth Garden City - Norton Road

This scheme was implemented in April 2023 providing a new signalised crossing near the junction with Croft Lane.

This has improved safety and access to St Nicholas Primary School and local shops.

Stevenage - North Road

A new two-way cycle route along the eastern side of North Road between Coreys Mill Lane and the A602 Lytton Way gyratory has now been installed, along with new crossing facilities and better signage to local routes.

The scheme was successfully delivered in February 2024 and provides a safe and efficient route for people walking, cycling and wheeling to the hospital, schools, Stevenage High Street, surrounding countryside and existing cycle routes, including National Cycle Network Route 12.

More information about the North Road project

Now that the walking and cycling improvements along North Road have been completed, we are now delivering a project to improve road safety and increase visibility at the junction of B197 Graveley Road and North Road. More information about our road safety project.

Watford - Water Lane

Road safety improvements on Water Lane at the junction with High Street in Watford have been successfully delivered. 

Following concerns about the safety of people walking and cycling in this area, we have rearranged the junction to encourage slower vehicle speeds and improve visibility. 

 

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)

Watford – Wiggenhall Road

This project was successfully completed in September 2022. The scheme replaced the previous temporary cycle lane with a new wider shared use pavement. The Wiggenhall Road project received good levels of support (76%) during our public consultation in summer 2021.

In partnership with Watford Borough Council, the cycle path through Riverside Park has also recently been resurfaced. These sections now connect and form part of the national cycle network.

More about the active travel fund schemes in Watford

Welwyn Garden City and Digswell - Digswell Park Road

As part of our Safer Routes to School programme, the improvements at Digswell Park Road offer a safer and more convenient route for people walking, wheeling and cycling to schools, shop and Welwyn North train station. This includes accessible connections between residential areas, schools, and local amenities.

Construction began on 14 August 2023 and was successfully completed on 23 September 2023.

Key improvements:

  • A new signalised toucan crossing over Bessemer Road provides a safe pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users, facilitating easy access between the existing shared-use path on Bessemer Road and Digswell Park Road.
  • A new zebra crossing over Hertford Road and an additional section of shared-use path linking into Harmer Green Lane provides onward connections to Welwyn North and the surrounding countryside.
  • To enhance the safety of the new crossing, speed cushions have been placed along Hertford Road to slow vehicles as they approach the junction with Digswell Park Road.
  • The speed limit on Digswell Park Road between Bessemer Road and Hertford Road has been reduced to 20mph. The road remains closed to motor vehicles, providing a traffic-free route for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

More about the Digswell Park Road scheme, including a map.

Wheathampstead – Codicote Road Roundabout

As part of our Safer Routes to School programme, the improvements at Codicote Road provide safer and more accessible connections between residential areas, schools, and local amenities.

Delivery of new walking facilities at Codicote Road Roundabout started on 14 August and was completed in early December 2023.

The project has delivered:

  • Two new raised zebra crossings on Lower Luton Road and Codicote Road to improve connections between residential areas, schools and local amenities.
  • Speed cushions on Codicote Road and Lower Luton Road approaching the roundabout to enhance the safety of the new crossings and to create a more pleasant environment for people walking, wheeling and using the bus stops.
  • Refurbishing of existing informal crossing points over Station Road and Lamer Lane.
  • Widening of footways on each corner of the roundabout.

For details of the designs that were delivered, view the Codicote Road Roundabout Map - (PDF 330MB) 

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Project timeline

  • Active travel funding tranche 2 (autumn 2020) – we were awarded £6.4 million in funding from the government’s Active Travel Fund.
  • Early Engagement exercise (spring 2021) – we undertook an initial engagement exercise to gather initial feedback and understand public opinion on our twelve draft proposals. The outcome of that exercise has helped shape designs and decide which proposals were taken forward to consultation.
  • Public consultation (summer 2021) – we consulted on our walking and cycling improvements in 8 different locations across 6 towns in the county.
  • Considering the feedback (autumn / winter 2021) – we carefully considered all comments received during consultation to inform our decision making on the next steps for each of the proposals. View the results: Active travel fund consultation report (PDF, 9.1MB).
  • Statutory process (late 2021-22) – where required, further statutory processes will be required which will include advertising parking restrictions and revised speed limits.
  • Additional £2.6 million funding announced (May 2022) – we were awarded another £2.6 million in funding from the government’s Active Travel Fund. The additional funds are planned to go towards new pedestrian and cycle facilities in Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage.
  • Construction (ongoing from spring 2022) – Please refer the project specific updates for detailed information on each scheme.
  • Additional improvements (winter / spring 2023) – an engagement exercise was held to gather initial feedback and understand public opinion on our proposals in Oaklands & Woolmer Green. The outcome of this exercise will help shape designs and define which proposals are taken forward to consultation later in the year.
  • Additional improvements (spring 2023) – we are undertaking an engagement exercise to gather initial feedback and understand public opinion on our initial proposals on High Street, Old Town, Stevenage. The outcome of this exercise will help shape designs and define which proposals are taken forward to consultation later in the year.
  • Additional £4.6 million funding announced (May 2023) – we were awarded additional funding from Active Travel England, which will support the delivery of further walking and cycling improvements across the county.

 

Questions? Email ATFconsultation@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

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