Hertfordshire County Council will today (2 November) officially start works on pedestrian and cycle route improvements on the A414 Breakspear Way in Hemel Hempstead. The new Buncefield Lane Quietway and Breakspear Way Crossing is part funded by Hertfordshire County Council with an additional £686k Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire LEP.

The Quietway will comprise a new network of cycling and walking routes that will run from the north-south route on Buncefield Lane, extending from Green Lane in the south to the Nickey Line in the north.

This will provide residents with a number of safety improvements which include: a new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing on the A414 between the petrol stations, a reduction in the speed limit on Breakspear Way from 70mph to 50mph, bus stop relocation, new wayfinding signage and a shared used pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.

The work forms part of a wider programme to improve sustainable transport in the area including pedestrian and cycle access to Herts IQ, the county’s Enterprise Zone, which is building a cluster of smart construction and green tech businesses.

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “It’s great news that a £686,000 Local Growth Fund investment has helped to kick start work on the Quietway in Hemel Hempstead. The new network of cycle and pedestrian routes will offer residents and visitors alike a safe, sustainable way to move around the town.

“By levelling up transport infrastructure across the country, we are giving more communities innovative, healthier and more sustainable ways to travel.”

Cherie Norris, Enterprise Zone Manager at Hertfordshire LEP said: “Herts IQ is working with partners to fast-track sustainable transport interventions in the Maylands area. This new Quietway will enable the green businesses located in Herts IQ to offer their employees a greater choice of sustainable travel options, and also contribute towards lowering their carbon footprint.

“The Quietway is a key part of a wider package of infrastructure measures that will help unlock future development and employment opportunities to the East of Hemel Hempstead.”

Phil Bibby, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment said: “This new Quietway and crossing will help to safely connect people between their workplaces, homes and leisure. We are actively encouraging residents to live a more sustainable lifestyle including the ways in which they travel.

“As part of our Local Transport plan and sustainability strategy we are building infrastructure that gives residents and businesses healthier, safer and more sustainable options for travel.”

The Quietway is due to be completed in spring 2021, with the majority of works being carried out overnight to minimise disruption to residents and local businesses.

What is a ‘Quietway’?
A Quietway is a network of cycle and walking routes that link key destinations through less heavily trafficked streets, joining up with carriageway routes where possible.

Quietways are:

• direct and easy to follow
• aimed at less confident cyclists and pedestrians who want a safe, unthreatening experience
• for cyclists and pedestrians who want to travel
  at a gentler pace