The new £15 million slip road serving the hospital has opened to traffic.

The road was officially named Thomas Sawyer Way at a ceremony yesterday, in memory of Captain Tom Sawyer, who was killed in Afghanistan while serving in the Royal Artillery.

Nearly a hundred of Tom's family and friends, and representatives of his military unit - 7 Sphynx Battery 29 Commando – joined with Health Campus partners to commemorate the fallen soldier.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the new hospital link road in Watford

The new road signs were unveiled by his parents Martin and Sue, wife and sister.

Speaking to the Observer, Sue Sawyer said: “We were completely overwhelmed by yesterday's ceremony. So many family and friends came to share the day with us.

“The actual road sign is amazing - Tom would be so proud to see his cap badge and the Commando Dagger on display. 

“We would also like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make yesterday's ceremony such a moving and fitting event.

“The fact that Tom's beloved home town has honoured him in this way would make him so very proud.

"In her speech Tom's wife Katy summed up Tom's love for his home town telling us that when they first met he said 'Of course, I'm from Watford' as if it were the only place to come from. 

“Tom's name will live on in his beloved hometown and we are honoured by how much love and support we have been given and by knowing how loved and remembered Tom is.” 

Children from Field Junior School also took part in the ceremony, singing a song specially chosen for the occasion.

Thomas Sawyer Way runs for a kilometre and a half from Dalton Way to Watford General Hospital.

Tom was killed in Afghanistan in 2009 at the age of 26.

He lived in Blackwell Drive in Oxhey and so the route runs close to where he spent much of his time growing up in the borough.

The Sawyer family, who spoke about Tom at the ceremony, highlighted that naming the road which would save lives after Tom who had given up his for others, made it the most fitting tribute the town could pay.

READ MORE: Family pride after road named in honour of fallen soldier and son

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “Thomas Sawyer Way is an historic milestone for Watford, made even more memorable by its connection to a local hero.

"It’s near to where Tom grew up and the football club he loved, and most importantly, it’s a road that will make such a difference to people’s lives.

"Tom gave his life for his country, and it is absolutely right that we honour him and the Sawyer family in this small but special way.”

Work started on the 30mph road in June 2015.

The Department of Health provided £9million of the funding and additional funding came from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) which gave the scheme a £6 million loan.

The road’s opening will mean changes to how people access the hospital by car, with street signs changed to help motorists find their way.

The launch of the new road marks the completion of the first phase of the Watford Health Campus scheme.

The next phase, the first industrial zone, is now underway with the first structural steels in place, and will be open in summer 2017 bringing new employment opportunities to the town.