Hertfordshire County Council has started works on its pedestrian and cycle route improvements on the A414 Breakspear Way in Hemel Hempstead.
The council has part-funded the new Buncefield Lane Quietway and Breakspear Way Crossing, with an additional £686k Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (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.
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.”
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.”
The Breakspear Way Crossing 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.
