Hertfordshire County Council has officially announced a comprehensive programme of temporary road and footpath closures set to take effect across the county. These measures are designed to facilitate essential utility, gas, water, and telecommunications infrastructure works, ensuring the maintenance and upgrade of critical services for residents and businesses.
Key Dates and Implementation Details
The council has confirmed that several closure orders will commence on Friday, January 23, 2026, with additional restrictions rolling out from January 26 to 29, 2026, and extending into February. It is important to note that these restrictions will only be enforced when official signs are displayed on-site, providing clear guidance to motorists and pedestrians.
This formal notice has been published on the Public Notice Portal and featured in the Hertfordshire Mercury, ensuring widespread awareness. The council has emphasised that signed diversion routes will be established, and access for local residents and emergency services will be maintained as specified in each order.
Detailed Closure Information by Location
Hertford
- A119 North Road: Closure between Cedar Close and Beane Road roundabout from January 23, 2026, for up to 18 months. Diversion via A414, A10, A602, and A119.
- Hagsdell Road: Closure from Queens Road for approximately 18 metres from February 9, 2026, for up to 18 months. Diversion via Queens Road, Hale Road, B158, A414, and Mangrove Road.
- Links Avenue (footpath by No.18): Intended closure from February 9, 2026, for up to 6 months. A signed alternative local footpath route will be provided.
Hoddesdon
- Stanstead Road: Closure between Bridleway South and Old Highway from January 26, 2026, for up to 18 months. Diversions via A1170, B181, and Hoddesdon Road alternatives.
- Various side roads off Bridleway South: Including Dymokes Way, Beyers Gardens, Danemead, Champions Way, Tunfield Road, Glenester Close junctions, Parkland Close, and Bridleway South itself to Bridleway North roundabout. Closures from January 26, 2026, for up to 18 months. Access will be maintained where possible, with no through alternative for short cul-de-sacs.
Cheshunt
- Rosedale Way: Closure at Jackson Drive for approximately 111 metres from January 26, 2026, for up to 18 months. Diversion via Peakes Way, Peakes Lane, Dig Dag Hill, and Longfield Lane.
- Rear of 77–91 Herongate Road (footpath): Closure from January 26, 2026, for up to 6 months. A signed local footpath alternative will be available.
Much Hadham
- B1004 (High Street/Tower Hill/Widford Road/Medcalf Hill): Phased closures and no-waiting restrictions from February 9, 2026, for up to 18 months. Diversion via A1184, A120, A10, and A1170. Waiting restrictions will apply on both sides during works.
- Stanstead Hill: Closure between Danebridge Road and unnamed road 3U41 from February 9, 2026. Diversion via Danebridge Road, Malting Lane, B1004, and Bourne Lane. The right-turn ban from Malting Lane into B1004 Tower Hill will be temporarily suspended.
Other Affected Areas
Additional closures include:
- Aston End – Long Lane: Near Lanterns Lane from February 10, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Bramfield – Tattle Hill: From Bramfield Lane from February 10, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Allens Green – Blounts Lane: Southwest of Sacombe Ash Lane from January 26, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Westmill – C16/Station Hill and Cherry Green Lane: From January 29, 2026.
- Braughing – Pelham Road: Near Vicarage Lane from January 29, 2026.
- Dane End – Rowney Lane: Near Lowgate Lane from January 23, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Little Berkhamsted – Bridleway Little Berkhamsted 18: On or after January 27, 2026, for up to 1 day.
Hertford and Watton at Stone Traffic Management
Various restrictions will be implemented from January 27, 2026, affecting:
- A414 London Road central reservation gap near Rush Green Link.
- Mangrove Road near A414.
- Thieves Lane South between A414 roundabouts to B1000.
- Walkern Road, Watton at Stone, from High Street to Benington Restricted Byway No.035.
Diversion and Access Arrangements
Signed diversion routes will be established where feasible. However, some short side roads may not have through alternatives, though resident access will be prioritised. Waiting restrictions will be enforced on affected roads during works, as indicated by on-site signage. Bus routes may experience diversions; passengers are advised to check with operators before travelling.
The council has clarified that these works are essential for gas main replacements, water main repairs, utility service connections, and telecoms pole replacements. Full details of the orders can be inspected at County Hall in Hertford on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, excluding bank and public holidays, or accessed via the Public Notice Portal.
Contact Information and Further Details
Residents with concerns or those who may be adversely impacted are encouraged to contact the named works promoters or Hertfordshire County Council’s highways team. For general enquiries, the council can be reached on 0300 123 4047. Staying informed through the Public Notice Portal is recommended for the latest updates on local notices.
