Temporary traffic lights in two of Watford's major roads will be controlled manually during the busiest times to try and minimise disruption.

Hundreds of drivers face weeks of nightmare journeys as work to replace pipes in both Rickmansworth Road and Whippendell Road start tomorrow (Monday).

Affinity Water is undertaking lead replacement programmes in the two neighbouring streets at the same time.

Both projects will take at least seven weeks to complete (full details at the bottom of this article) and concerns have been raised about what impact the work will have on the road network, particularly for drivers in west Watford.

Hertfordshire County Council and Affinity Water are both aware of the potential disruption and it has been agreed that traffic lights will be manually controlled during peak hours.

We understand the multi-way lights in Rickmansworth Road will be manually controlled throughout the day, starting at 6am before going onto a timer at 8pm.

We understand the multi-way lights in Whippendell Road will be manually controlled between 7am and 9:30am and 4pm and 6:30pm.

County councillor for West Watford, Cllr Nigel Bell, has been in touch with officers at Hertfordshire County Council.

He said: "I have been concerned about this work, as I always am with any in such an important key area like west Watford, remembering the disruption the ‘sinkhole’ in Vicarage Road caused two years ago.

"It seems time and again, county council officers do not understand the concerns of residents here caused by the undue congestion, and I have continually called for more and better joint-working between all agencies to prevent the potential chaos yet again when schools and businesses return on Monday.

"While I agree that Affinity have to be able to renew piping, there does need to be better coordination as residents in west Watford and business are saying ‘enough is enough."

The county council has explained why it has granted Affinity Water permits for both roads at the same.

A spokesman said: "When coordinating roadworks across Hertfordshire, we take into consideration a number of factors including likely disruption. We have to however look at the wider programme of outstanding work on Affinity Water’s lead replacement programme and the sensitivity of the locations.

"We also have to contend with the other larger schemes taking place throughout Watford and are looking to complete lead replacement before the summer holidays to facilitate other work sites.

"We will be monitoring the area closely and will be in regular contact with Affinity Water should issues arise. Where possible we will look to alleviate disruption however these are essential works that need to take place."

An Affinity Water spokesperson said: "We are carrying out essential works in Rickmansworth Road and Whippendell Road to ensure we maintain a high quality and reliable supply of water for the local community, for many years to come.

"We are working closely with the county council to minimise the disruption they may cause as much as possible, whilst ensuring the safety of our teams and commuters.

"We would like to thank all the residents in this area for their patience while we deliver this important lead replacement programme."

Full details of the roadworks being undertaken by Affinity Water below:

Rickmansworth Road: January 6 - March 20. (temporary lights, beginning at Gade Avenue, continuing towards the town centre (Gate House Place)

Whippendell Road: January 6 - February 28 (temporary lights between Hagden Lane and Cassiobridge Road)

Harwoods Road: January 6 - February 17 (road closure)

A lead replacement programme will also take place in Hagden Lane, between the junctions of Queens Avenue and Vicarage Road, starting March 23 and ending on June 26.