Watford ring road could be turned into a two-way street while the flyover could be transformed in fresh plans being explored.

The idea of revamping Watford’s busiest and arguably most important road connection has been floated around several times before.

The ring road, or Exchange Road as it is also known, is a vital route for drivers travelling through Watford, and provides access to most of the major car parks for the town centre.

It currently operates via a mostly three-lane one-way clockwise system but this could be scrapped for a new two-way system.

Read more: Plans for new crossings in these Watford town centre locations

Watford Observer: A stretch of Watford ring road, now. Image: Google Street ViewA stretch of Watford ring road, now. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

It’s part of a proposal drawn up by Watford Borough Council as part of its ambition to reduce the number of cars in the town centre.

But the most transformative aspect of this proposal would be to ban traffic from using the flyover that passes over the High Street. The council says the flyover “reduces the quality” of the street underneath it.

So the council is looking at potentially turning the top of the flyover into a green space, which is also for use for cyclists and pedestrians, as part of its Transforming Travel document.

Watford Observer: The council has offered this example in the UK of how the top of a flyover, such as its one in Watford, could be changed. Image: TCSFThe council has offered this example in the UK of how the top of a flyover, such as its one in Watford, could be changed. Image: TCSF (Image: TCSF)

The council also believes taking cars away from the flyover could help “reinvigorate” Watford Market, which has struggled for footfall ever since it relocated from Charter Place to its current home by the flyover. A redevelopment of the market area could take place with the market forming a focal part of whatever new development may come.

Watford Observer: The flyover and how it looks from the high streetThe flyover and how it looks from the high street (Image: Newsquest)

Explaining how losing the flyover would keep traffic flowing, a council spokesperson said: “In very broad terms, traffic heading west could still use Exchange Road and Upton Road as it does at present. Traffic heading north towards Hempstead Road and St Albans Road would use the two-way section of the ring road rather than having to loop around using the flyover.”

Watford Observer: The two-lane flyover on Watford ring road which could be closed to traffic under plans being explored by Watford Borough Council. Image: Google Street ViewThe two-lane flyover on Watford ring road which could be closed to traffic under plans being explored by Watford Borough Council. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

Turning the ring road two-way was last put forward by Conservative-run Hertfordshire County Council as part of its South West Hertfordshire Growth and Transport Plan in 2018.

However, Liberal Democrat Watford mayor Peter Taylor was unimpressed by the idea telling the Watford Observer at the time: “I am not convinced that the best use of the county council’s limited budget is to pursue changes to our ring-road.

“I cannot recall a single resident contacting me to say this should be a priority.

“This would cause major disruption and cost millions of pounds. That money would be better spent investing in better public transport for Watford.”

The mayor declined to comment on whether his views had changed now the same idea was being put forward by his council.

Read more: 'Making ring-road two-way street would cause major disruption'

Watford Observer: A diagram shows how traffic flow could work on a two-way ring road, including via Upton Road, with no use of the flyover. Image: Watford Borough CouncilA diagram shows how traffic flow could work on a two-way ring road, including via Upton Road, with no use of the flyover. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

However, a council spokesperson said: “The mayor is keen to ensure that as many people respond to the consultation as possible and feels it is important for all residents who have a view to be heard.

“These ideas are not firm proposals and do not yet have any funding attached to them but as plans are put together for the long term it is important that residents are able to contribute to any suggestions.”

The flyover/market proposal is among several put forward for Watford town centre as part of a public consultation launched by Watford Council that lasts until November 14.

Read more: Residents asked to shape future of Watford town centre

People can have their say by visiting https://watfordtowncentre.commonplace.is/ 

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