Upcoming roadworks and closures
- Mon 26 September 9.30am - Fri 30 September 5pm:
Full 24-hour closure of the segregated left turn lane on the A602/A119 roundabout.
- Thur 29 September: 9.30am - 3.30pm.
2 way traffic lights on Whempstead Road near to the site compound.
- Tue 11 October - Mon 17 October: 9.30am - 3.30pm each day.
Lane closure, 2 way or multi way signals from Anchor Lane to Sacombe Park.
For the duration of the scheme:
- Sacombe Pound closed to all traffic between Sacombe Green Road and the A602 Ware Road, 24 hours a day.
- 30/40 mph speed limit along the A602.
These are subject to change. Follow @Herts_Highways on Twitter for real-time updates.
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 are now currently completing the 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 under the A602 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
We have already made improvement to these locations:
- Hertford Road junction
- Anchor Lane roundabout
- Westmill Road
- A120 junction
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
Planning permission for the current works was granted in early 2018. Information on these applications can be viewed below;
Planning permission for the additional cycle route between Stoneyhills and Sacombe Pound was granted in Nov 2020.
Full details can be found on the planning page.
Planning permission for the earlier works, completed in summer 2018, can still be viewed on the link below;
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, email a602improvements@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Traffic Regulation Orders
When opened, a 50mph speed limit will be enforced on the new A119 roundabout and A602 alignment. Temporary 30mph or 40mph speed limits should be adhered to when signage is in place.
Step 5: Construction
Main works
Construction contractor, Tilbury Douglas, continues to progress the works. Construction work on the A119 roundabout has been completed, and the new segregated turn left lane is now open, however, a temporary 30mph speed limit remains in place.
Works to realign the A602 Ware Road between Heath Mount school and Stoneyhills, including the new Dane End bridge, is progressing. The programme has been impacted by Covid 19 and other factors, and the new alignment is now due to open in summer 2023. The cycle track between Stoneyhills and Sacombe Pound will open after the traffic has moved onto the new A602 alignment. Landscaping works will continue into the autumn/winter 2022.
Our recent press release about the delay to the completion date can be found here.
Please plan your journey, as some of the works may cause delays on the highway. Check planned closures and roadworks.
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.
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