29 Aug 2024
Just in time for the start of the autumn term, motorists face major disruption caused by the closure of Chequer Street for four days next week.
Affinity Water is carrying out supply works which mean the throughfare will be closed between September 3 and 6, with traffic diverted via Verulam Road and Catherine Street.
According to the company: “We are carrying out essential work to maintain the resilience of our infrastructure with fewer disruptions.”
Expect substantial delays over the period of the roadworks, especially at peak times.
County councillor Chris White offered a frank and damning response to the closure: “The quantity of roadworks especially from utilities is getting out of hand. For example today there are two possibly three sets on London Road. But also on many others.
“Chequer Street is at the beating heart of the city. The chaos will be huge and far more publicity needs to have been given. And a more sensible time could and should have been chosen by Affinity.
“The law needs to be changed to get a grip on the behaviour of utilities when it comes to digging up what are in fact our roads.”
In addition to Chequer Street, the ongoing redevelopment of London Road and Marlborough Road will see the overnight closure (7pm-2am) of the latter street between September 2 and 4, meaning north-south movement through St Albans will be severely disrupted at this time.
Elsewhere in the district, there are still roadworks and temporary traffic lights on the A1081 Harpenden Road at the Ancient Briton junction, which have been causing long delays throughout the quieter summer months.
In Park Street, the 24-hour road closure remains in place along A5183 Park Street from the railway bridge to Park Street bridge, with further diversions in operation.
