Major transport overhaul planned for the next 35 years

Herts County Councillor Derrick Ashley ENGPNL00320130128120425

Transport chiefs are plotting a major overhaul of Hemel's transport network ahead of an expected 50 per cent surge in Hertfordshire's population between now and 2050.

Experts reckon that, over the next 35 years, the county’s population will have grown by around 400,000 to over 1.5million, meaning a huge  impact on congestion and journey times, particularly during peak travel periods.

As a result they have launched A Transport Vision for Hertfordshire, setting out a programme of transport  improvements.

Hemel is at the centre of many of the projects in this scheme. The town is proposed as one of the ‘Sustainable Travel Towns’ with improved sustainable transport links.

There are also ideas to  improve transport links to the new homes to be built  between Hemel Hempstead and St Albans.

The A414 upgrades should improve the junctions around Hemel Hempstead, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City,  London Colney and East Herts to the north of Harlow.

And there are proposals to create fast and reliable new bus connections from Hemel  Hempstead to Hertford,  serving St Albans, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City.

Derrick Ashley, cabinet member for transport at Herts County Council, said: “Our strong and successful economy and our thriving communities are built on the bedrock of an efficient and  reliable transport network.

“However we know  by 2050 things will be very different to today, and the  decisions we take now will  influence the kind of  transport network we will have then.

“Don’t miss out on your chance to have your say and make suggestions.”

Take part in the scheme at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/transportvision2050