Update issued on completion date of roadworks near Bushey Arches

The temporary traffic lights near Bushey Arches have led to long queues, particularly out of Watford, ever since they were introduced earlier this month.

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed that the traffic signals at the junction of Chalk Hill and Aldenham Road are being upgraded.

Once complete, the timings will also be altered, stopping traffic from Chalk Hill and London Road, merging together.

Railings will also be repaired after Central Watford and Oxhey county councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst raised concerns with the council about the number of accidents at this junction.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst by damaged railings

Inevitably, the roadworks, which were set to last for a month, have caused delays in what is already an incredibly congested area.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst and Bushey North county councillor Laurence Brass have been liaising with the county council and its contractors Ringway to see if the work can be completed more quickly.

Cllr Brass took to social media on Friday to issue the following update: "I have been speaking to the local county councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst to pass on the many concerns from Bushey residents about the disruption they're causing.

"The site is in the Central Watford and Oxhey division, represented by Cllr Giles-Medhurst. He's in turn been speaking to Ringway, the contractors, and has now sent me the following updates.

"They now expect the work to finish by 26th July, earlier than the original scheduled date of 8th August, although there's an 'outside chance' it could even be a day or two earlier."

The roadworks are at this junction. Credit: Google Maps

Cllr Brass suggested the delays may have been worsened by the way the temporary signals are operating with not enough priority given to roads when they are busier.

The councillor added that work is only taking place between 9.30am and 4pm but the temporary traffic lights are operating full-time.

A county council spokesperson said previously: "These are traffic light refurbishment works. The pedestrian crossings are being upgraded to Puffin-style crossings and new energy-efficient LED traffic lights are being installed.

"The phasing of the signals is also being changed to reduce accidents. We’d like to thank road users for bearing with us while we complete these important works."