A602 improvements, Stevenage to / from Ware
Latest update
Work on the A602, between Watton-At-Stone and Tonwell, began in mid-June.
The works involve enlarging the roundabout at the junction of the A119 Hertford Road with the A602 Ware Road to provide additional capacity for traffic. The works will also include realigning Ware Road from Heath Mount School to the existing most southern Stoneyhills junction, to help reduce delays from people turning right and to improve the visibility on the road.
Interserve Construction Limited has been appointed as the contractor to carry out these construction works. They will be undertaking the work in a series of phases which will affect the highway.
We recommend referring to the one.network website for up to date roadworks information which may affect your travel arrangements.
Social distancing
We're working closely with Interserve Construction Limited to follow government guidance on best work practices and social distancing. As part of the work to start 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
- Ware Road
- Sacombe Pound junction
- Stoneyhills 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
A total of 4 planning applications were submitted for the A602 Improvements Scheme.
Planning permission for the current works due to start in mid-June 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;
The main works for these sections are due to start in Summer 2020.
A further planning application is required for enhanced cycle facilities along Ware Road. A consultation to gather feedback ran from 20 April to 18 May. A report on the consultation has been submitted alongside the planning application. 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
An application for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order has been made, to reduce speed limit during the works. From Monday 29 June a 30mph limit will be put in place across the working area for the duration of the project. This is to help keep the travelling public and those working on the road safe.
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 are due to take approximately 18 months to complete.
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 have created a new online feature providing information on:
- Project overview
- Outline traffic management plans
- New cycle track proposals.
Please note that some of the features only work on the latest available browser. If you are unable to access the information, updates are in the A602 Improvement leaflet (PDF 925KB).
Email a602improvements@hertfordshire.gov.uk if you have any questions about this project.