The scheme comprises a series of interventions along the A602 between Stevenage and Ware to provide a consistent standard of highway provision along the route, to reduce journey times and improve journey time reliability, as well as providing increased resilience of the route to forecast increases in traffic flows.
The A602 is a major east-west artery linking the south side of Stevenage to the A10 in Ware, which suffers from congestion and safety issues due to tight bends and poor visibility.
Work is complete on the Hertford Road junction in Stevenage, Anchor Lane, Westmill Road and the A10 junction near Ware. Work between Watton-At-Stone and Tonwell began in June 2020 and is expected to be completed by spring 2022.
The works are expected to take around 18 months to complete.
Why?
The work kick-starts the final phase of infrastructure improvements as part of a wider project to improve the route between Stevenage and Ware and increase its resilience to growing traffic numbers.
The work will bring this strategic east-west link up to current highway standards, improve journey time reliability, and reduce delays caused by vehicles turning right from Ware Road.
Planned improvements include enlarging the roundabout at the junction of A119 Hertford Road with A602 Ware Road to provide additional capacity for traffic.
Impact
Reduction in delays and vast improvement in journey times. The major junctions and roads will become much safer for drivers.
An off-road cycle track along part of the A602 which will link up popular local routes, allow safe crossing of the busy main road, and promote sustainable modes of travel has had planning permission submitted in line with Hertfordshire County Council’s Sustainability Strategy.
This will make the A602 safer for cyclists as well as drivers.
Funding
Hertfordshire LEP invested a £20m Local growth Fund investment towards the redesign of several major junctions.
There is also subsequent funding from Hertfordshire County Council.
This project was approved by the board on the 22nd March 2018.
