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
In mid-May, we will complete the coloured surfacing works on the cycleway to finalise the project. This will take place over one night and involve the closure of Water Lane and High Street. Dates will be confirmed shortly.
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 progressing with 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 will further enhance the environment and make travelling to, from and around Welwyn Garden City easier and safer for people walking and cycling.
Hunters Bridge
Works commenced 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.
Town centre
Delivery of the improved walking and cycling environment in the town centre began on 1 February 2023. The main works were completed at the end of November 2023, with the new raised crossings around Howardsgate open for use ahead of the festive season.
Some additional minor work will be undertaken in Spring 2024. This includes:
- the installation of small dividers (light segregation) between the cycle lane and road space along Fretherne Road and Wigmores Road, and some amendments to traffic islands;
- the installation of bollards south of the pedestrian crossing at Osborn Way (Stonehills);
- and the installation of bollards and tree pits at Stonebank.
Following this final work, the Road Maintenance team will also be carrying out road resurfacing between the new raised crossing around Howardsgate.
Details will be provided in the new year. Until then, the roads in the town centre will remain open.
More about the Welwyn Garden City town centre scheme