The third phase of work to improve a major road in Watford is set to begin at the start of the new year.

Clarendon Road is being transformed by Watford Borough Council through its transformation programme, with the next phase of the project focussing on the Beechen Grove intersection to the St Johns Road intersection.

Work on the road, which runs between Watford Junction station and the ring road, is set to take place over the next 10 months from Monday, January 6 2020 – and the council has warned motorists and bus passengers to expect some delays during this time.

The road will remain open northbound from the Beechen Grove intersection throughout the schedululed works, but access southbound from Watford Junction will be limited.

This is because the road will become one-way northbound while the third phase of work is carried out, with temporary bus stop locations, road diversions and traffic management measures also set to be in place.

The council is carrying out the transofrmation of Clarendon Road working closely with Watford BID and with funding from Hertfordshire LEP and Hertfordshire County Council.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “This is another phase of our transformative plans to improve Clarendon Road.

“Working together with local businesses and Hertfordshire LEP, we’ve been able to transform a key entrance to our town which is used by millions of people every year. I know this will cause disruption to residents and this will be inconvenient, but hopefully the end result will be worth it.”

Watford Observer:

The transformation project, which began in early 2019, has so far seen improvements to the junction of Clarendon Road, Beechen Grove and The Parade.

This includes resurfacing of the carriageway and footways, upgrading the traffic lights, lamp columns and street furniture, tree planting and enhancing the overall look and feel of the junction to provide an improved “gateway” to the town centre.

Adam Wood, head of infrastructure and regeneration at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “Watford has seen strong growth over the past three years and our £4.8m Local Growth Fund investment towards the regeneration of Clarendon Road, the gateway to Watford town, will help it fully live up to its growth potential.

“The transformation to date has been remarkable and has brought new vitality to the town centre. We look forward to seeing this third phase of development come to life.”

The council says the focus of the transformation programme is reducing Clarendon Road’s width, creating a new drainage network, adding raised tables for better disabled access and a new zebra crossing.

Further improvements to Clarendon Road will take place up to autumn 2022, which the council says will create a safer, greener and more attractive thoroughfare to attract and retain businesses and jobs.

Below is a list of what motorists and bus passengers can expect during the third phase of work in Clarendon Road.

• Clarendon Road will become one-way northbound. Access to Clarendon Road will only be from Beechen Grove or Clarendon Road (south side). Two-way traffic operation will remain in place north of St Johns Road. There may be the occasional need to close the road, but this would be limited to night-time only.

• The northbound bus stops will be closed and southbound buses will be diverted. Temporary stops will be used.

• Access will be co-ordinated for development works and emergency services.

• Diversion around St Johns Road, Woodford Road, Station Road, St Albans Road and the ring road.

• Speed limited to 20mph on Clarendon Road.

• Traffic management signs and barriers will direct traffic safely. Controlled crossings will be maintained throughout the works.

For more information and the improvements, visit clarendon-road.co.uk.