Heavy traffic is already building ahead of rush hour after temporary traffic lights were installed for “emergency” works.

Hertfordshire Highways has warned motorists to “avoid the queue” as there are delays in both directions in Hempstead Road and Langley this afternoon.

At 2.45pm today (April 19) it confirmed that UK Power Networks is carrying out the emergency repair works near the junction of the two roads under 24/7 multi-way traffic signals.

Around an hour later, Highways shared that there were already long queues in the road.

The footway in Hempstead Road has also been closed with an alternative pedestrian walkway provided instead.

According to One Network, the work is scheduled until 5.30pm on April 25.

However, unplanned emergency works often do not last the full length of the permit.

UK Power Networks is listed as carrying out "utility repair and maintenance" work in the road. The company is the electricity distribution network operator responsible for South East England, the East of England, and London.