A602 improvements, Stevenage to / from Ware
Latest update
Whempstead Road closed
Whempstead Road will be closed from Monday 11 January for approximately 12 weeks. This is subject to change and may be extended. Sacombe Pound will need to be closed again at a later date, but only once the works on Whempstead Road are complete. We'll share full details closer to the time.
Cycle track application approved
The planning application [PL/0164/20] for an off-road cycle track has been approved. This will provide dedicated cycling and walking route across the A602 Ware Road between Sacombe Pound and Stoneyhills.
Construction for the cycle track will proceed in parallel with the existing programme of work for the A602, by our contractors Interserve Construction Ltd.
Read more about the cycle track application
Winter gritting
We are working to ensure the A602 Ware Road and side roads are kept safe over the winter months. Sacombe Pound will be included in the gritting route up to the closure point at Sacombe Green Road. Check gritting routes for details.
National Restrictions and Physical distancing
We're working closely with Interserve Construction Limited to follow government guidance on best work practices and physical distancing.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of new national restrictions, it has been confirmed that construction can continue with the workforce following physical distancing and safe working practices.
Read what the Leader of Hertfordshire County Council had to say
As part of working on site the team has put in place a range of procedures to protect staff and the public, including:
- staggering working patterns
- only essential staff on site
- providing all necessary PPE and hand washing gels
- increased cleaning regimes and welfare provision
- eliminating the need for contact wherever possible
- enforcing social distancing.
Some of the measures may mean that parts of the works will take longer to complete.
We understand that members of the public will see staff on site and ask about the project. But where possible, please send all enquiries to a602improvements@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Why we want to change the A602
The A602 is a very busy road, but there are problems in places:
- vehicles turning right are blocking traffic behind, causing delays
- tight bends and poor visibility make the road less safe than it could be
- often long queues at junctions.
Improvements we're making
We want to improve the major junctions, reduce delays and make the route safer. We have already made improvements to these locations:
- Hertford Road junction
- Anchor Lane roundabout
- Westmill Road
- A10 junction.
We are now completing the final A602 Improvements at these locations:
- A119 junction - enlarging roundabout, two-lane entry on each arm and segregated left-hand turn lane from Stevenage to Ware
- Ware Road - realigning the road to make a safer and smoother drive and including right-hand turn lanes to reduce congestion
- Sacombe Pound junction - junction upgrades, installation of a bridge and cycle way which will allow safe crossing via an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists
- Stoneyhills junction - realigning the northern arm of the junction with better visibility and closing off the southern arm, re-designating as a bridleway
Steps to complete the project
Step 1: Early options
We looked at a number of options for improving the A602, to reduce traffic congestion. We put this together into a business case.
Step 2: Seeking funding
Funding has been approved by the Local Enterprise Partnership and Hertfordshire County Council.
Step 3: Developing the scheme
The Local Transport Body consulted on the business case. The consultation ended in August 2014 and helped us decide that the project is value for money.
We held a public exhibition in May 2015. This gave us a chance to find out what you think about the project prior to submitting the planning applications.
A report was put before the Development Control Committee following a period of consultation.
Step 4: Getting permission / planning applications
A total of 4 planning applications were submitted for the A602 Improvements Scheme.
Planning permission for the current works was granted in early 2018. Information on these applications can be viewed below;
Planning permission for the earlier works, completed in summer 2018, can still be viewed on the link below;
A further planning application was submitted for a cycle facility between Stoneyhills junction and Sacombe Pound. A consultation to gather feedback ran in Spring 2020 and the report was submitted alongside the planning application to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). A formal objection period was held, and we have been notified the application has been approved.
Full details can be found on the planning page.
Side Roads Order
The Department of Transport has approved the Hertfordshire County Council (A602 Improvements (Watton-at-Stone to Tonwell) Classified Road) Side Roads Order 2019. This is a statutory process that must be consulted on prior to making changes to any side or access roads.
If you would like to see the side road orders please contact us via a602improvements@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Traffic Regulation Orders
A reduced speed limit of 30mph or 40mph has been introduced throughout the works, through a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order. These limits are in place to protect the workforce who may be working on or near the road, and help keep the travelling public safe. Please monitor your speed while going through the works
Step 5: Construction
Main Works
Interserve Construction Limited has been appointed as the contractor to carry out the main construction works which started in mid-June 2020.
The works, including the cycle track, are expected to be completed in Spring 2022. The planned opening has been delayed due to the influence of the Covid 19 on the project and the management of unexpected contaminated soils on site.
Please plan your journey, as some of the works may cause delays on the highway. Information about planned closures or other planned works can be viewed on one.network
Want to know more?
To make sure that residents and others who are interested in the scheme are kept informed of the upcoming works, we publish a monthly newsletter with all the latest news and updates from site:
Email a602improvements@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions about this project.