A602 improvements, Stevenage to / from Ware

We’re planning to improve sections of the A602, from the south side of Stevenage to the A10 in Ware.

Construction works started on 29 August 2017.

Construction works for Hertford Road junction, Stevenage; Anchor Lane, Westmill Road and the A10 junction near Ware have now started and are planned to take 6 months.

We're working to ensure that minimal disruption is caused, especially at peak times.

At Anchor Lane:

  • We've removed the roundabout to allow for a new, larger roundabout to be built.
  • We've introduced a right-turn ban to reduce congestion at the junction during the works.
  • We decided against adding temporary traffic lights as, based on previous experience, this would cause long queues. We'll continue to monitor the suitation and may introduce lights if neccessary for safety reasons.

Further planning applications have been submitted for Ware Road and A119 roundabout.

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 planning to make

We want to improve the major junctions, reduce delays and make the route safer. We want to make improvements to these locations:

  • Hertford Road junction
  • A119 roundabout
  • Ware Road
  • Sacombe Pound junction
  • Stony Hills junction
  • Anchor Lane roundabout
  • Westmill Road
  • A10 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

The total cost for this scheme is £19.4 million.

Funding has been approved by the Local Enterprise Partnership and Local Transport Body.

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.

We submitted 2 in May 2016:

  • Hertford Road junction
  • Anchor Lane junction, Westmill Road, A10 junction

We then submitted the final 2 planning applications for the A602-A119 junction, and A602 Ware Road improvements Heath Mount School to the Stony Hills junction.

A119 junction

You can view the planning application by visiting the Herts CC planning portal and searching using the reference number PL\0851\17

The planning case officer is Sharon Threlfall.

Ware Road Improvements

You can view the planning application by visiting the Herts CC planning portal and searching using the reference number PL\0852\17

The planning case officer is Sharon Threlfall.

Step 5: Construction

Construction works started on 29 August 2017.

Hertford Road junction, Stevenage

Changes will be made to the bus only access at the Hertford Road / Ashdown Road junction on 29 August to 8 September 2017.  This will allow for 2-way traffic.

Hertford Road at the A602 will be closed to all traffic on 11 September for a period of up to 4 months.  A diversion route via Broadwater Crescent and Ashdown Road will be in place. 

View the Hertford Road plans

Hertford Road diversion routes

 

Anchor Lane junction

Works started in the north east verge on 29 August 2017. 

We're planning to close Anchor Lane on 18 September 2017 for a period of up to 3 months.

View the Anchor Lane plans

Anchor Lane diversion routes

Our contractors will be working Monday - Friday 7:30am to 6pm, Saturday 7:30am to 1pm.

At a later stage, our contractor will also working during the night. We'll update this page with the latest information.

 

Other works

 

Subject to planning approval,  works are being planned to begin in autumn 2018 for:

  • the A119 junction to the east of Watton at Stone
  • Ware Road from the Heath Mount School to the Stony Hills junction.

Email our Highways team if you have any questions about this project.