A key thoroughfare in Watford will be undergoing a revitalisation project to improve the look and feel of the area, with work due to be completed by the autumn.
In 2019, Watford Borough Council carried out a consultation about aspirations for revitalising St Albans Road and asked for public feedback.
The key topics that emerged from the consultation were around cycling, the look and feel of the streetscape, traffic, parking and antisocial behaviour.
Based on that consultation, the council has developed an improvement plan with the long-term ambition to create a sustainable and vibrant local high street to support the community and local businesses.
Improvements will include replacing the pavements to remove the current patchwork of paving materials and to remedy the current poor surface water drainage.
The removal of redundant street furniture, guard-railing and unnecessary signage will reduce street clutter and the over provision and poor sighting of traffic signs.
New strategically placed street furniture will improve the surroundings whilst helping to stop illegal on-pavement parking.
The project will also include creating new small ‘squares’ of high quality public realm and community space on Hatfield Road, Victoria Road and Bruce Grove, which are all closed to through traffic onto St Albans Road.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “‘St Albans Road is key route into and out of our town centre. It is used by thousands of people every day and is an important place for businesses, leisure and socialising. One of my key manifesto commitments was to improve this area and I am pleased we are delivering on this commitment. We must make sure that all of our town can benefit from investment and schemes like these are really important making Watford a better place.”
Unused planters will be removed or reused and new planters and street trees introduced to create a more pleasant environment and soften what is currently a road dominated by traffic.
The location of the new street trees and planters can also be used as barriers to parking on the pavement.
New cycle stands will be installed to provide parking facilities for cyclists while allowing a clear flow of movement for users of the pavement and help prevent illegal parking.
For more information, please visit stalbansroad.co.uk
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