Watford High Street and Water Lane Route closures for safety works lasting until mid-April
The road will shortly be getting road safety improvements at a dangerous junction with High Street in Watford.
This will involve rearranging the junction to encourage slower vehicle speeds and improve the visibility of people cycling southbound on High Street:
- the existing two-lane approach to the junction with High Street will be reduced to one, and the footway on the northern side of Water Lane will be widened;
- a raised table will be constructed at the junction;
- better signage will be installed on Water Lane approaching High Street to make those who drive more aware of people cycling along High Street.
Lib Dem county councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, who pushed for the changes, said they “will make it a much safer junction, especially for cyclists and pedestrians”.
Funded by the Government’s Active Travel Fund, the improvements will 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.
Road closures of Water Lane at the junction with High Street,
Works are due to commence on 11 March and be completed in mid-April 2024. Most of the work will take place overnight, between 8pm and 5am, to minimise disruption. There will also be a 33-hour closure on at least one weekend, from 8pm Saturday to 5am Monday:
- 11 March – 19 April 2024 (8pm – 5am): overnight closure.
- 10 April – 12 April 2024 (8pm – 5am): overnight closure.
- From 8pm on 13 April – 5am on 15 April 2024: 33-hour closure.
- 15 April – 19 April 2024 (8pm – 5am): overnight closure.
Herts County Council say “road closure dates are subject to weather and construction conditions and may change.”
Access routes
During working hours, there will be no through-route along Water Lane onto High Street.
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.
HCC is working with Atria Shopping Centre to provide arrangements for overnight deliveries.
Vehicle access on Water Lane and High Street will remain open as usual outside the working hours.
Bus services
During the closures, the bus stops on Water Lane will be suspended and buses will be on diversion.
When Water Lane is closed overnight, services 142, 258, 306, 321, 328 & 602 will use Exchange Road to get to Lower High Street. Service 635 will use Exchange Road to serve the ring road stops and won’t serve the stops in the town.
When both Water Lane and High Street are closed overnight and for the 33-hour period, 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.
HCC say they are liaising with bus operators to minimise disruption during the works. Details will also be publicised on physical notices at all relevant bus stops.
Walking and cycle access
Access will be maintained for people walking throughout the works. 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.
