Shops could be bulldozed for new road (From Watford Observer)

Shops could be bulldozed for new road

8:40am Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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Shops in St Albans Road could be bulldozed to make way for a new road linking Watford Junction with the M1 motorway.

On Monday, county councillors will discuss proposals to build a new link road, connecting Colonial Way with St Albans Road and a newly renovated station.

They will also consider plans for the compulsory purchase of large amounts of prime retail space.

Plans to improve road connections with the station were revealed by the Watford Observer last February.

At present, all traffic between the M1 and Watford Junction either has to navigate the ring-road or travel along the frequently congested A41 and St Albans Road.

Hertfordshire County Council officers say the new road would offer a “more direct connection to the motorway system” and “alleviate existing traffic congestion”.

However, the proposal could see seven separate landowners forced to sell up to make way for the new road. The affected land is currently occupied by Homebase, T K Maxx and Staples, among others.

One option under consideration would see the proposed road built as an extension to Colonial Way, passing over the railway track and through the Homebase car park.

The second option, however, would see the new road built directly on top of a unit currently containing T K Maxx.

The road will also connect to a new multi-storey car park and “interchange” to be built next to Watford Junction.

A county council report read: “Endeavours will be made, wherever possible, to acquire the land required by negotiation.

“However, all the landowners, including those active within the master plan will act in their best commercial interest – which may not be consistent over time, given the current economic climate.

“It is, therefore, recommended that negotiations are supported by the knowledge that compulsory purchase powers could be used for either route alignment as an option to fall back on, if necessary.”

The £32.5 million project will be paid for by the Department for Transport and Network Rail.

Watford Junction, which has been identified as a “key transport interchange in South West Hertfordshire”, is also set to undergo a substantial programme of refurbishments.

Plans to improve the platforms, the ticket office and forecourt are set to be completed by late next year.

County Councillor are expected to vote in favour of a possible compulsory purchase order. They are, however, expected to ask County Hall officers to preferably seek to acquire the land through negotiation.

The matter will be discussed at a meeting inside County Hall on Monday afternoon.