Vicarage Road closure: Drivers caught out and forced to make U-turns

Vicarage Road closed yesterday as Thames Water began work on repairing a sewer pipe.

Only a tiny section of the road is closed – outside the Red Lion pub and Watford FC shop – but it is shut in both directions and completely blocked with barriers and fencing.

The road is not due to reopen again until July 29.

Vicarage Road is currently closed in both directions by the Red Lion pub, between the junctions of Oxford Street and Occupation Road. Credit: Stuart O'Grady

Just hours into the closure, locals were already getting frustrated and dozens of drivers were forced to make U-turns.

Several lorries heading into Vicarage Road from the direction of the town centre were making three-point turns in the yard of Vicarage Road Service Station with signage about the roadworks described as “inadequate”. There were fears it would be “crazy” during rush hour.

A lorry making a U-turn in Oxford Street which is a one-way narrow residential street off Vicarage Road. Credit: Stuart O'Grady

A lorry making a U-turn at the Vicarage Road closure. Credit: Stuart O'Grady

West Watford county councillor Nigel Bell says he has received complaints about “lines of vehicles” heading down Oxford Street to bypass the closure, and believes the street should be temporarily restricted to use for access only.

A lorry making a U-turn. Credit: Stuart O'Grady

The Labour politician added: “I was told even a couple of Arriva buses started to turn into Oxford Street which is a complete no no and they had to back out.

"These are narrow and heavily parked roads and action is needed before there is an accident.

"I even saw two ambulances the went the wrong way round - the message clearly hasn’t got through to all the emergency services yet.”

A lorry heading into Oxford Street. Credit: Stuart O'Grady

An Arriva bus heading down Oxford Street. Credit: Stuart O'Grady

Meanwhile, drivers were repeatedly filmed coming from Hagden Lane and turning around in Vicarage Road at the junction with Banbury Street after coming across a sign that warns ‘road closed ahead’.

Drivers turning around in Vicarage Road coming from the direction of the hospital. Credit: WatfordLondon

Councillor Bell says he has asked highways officers at Hertfordshire County Council to ensure there is correct signage in place and has been told a request has been made for more of it.

He has also asked when Vicarage Road is due to be resurfaced describing its current state as an “utter disgrace”.

There is still access to enter Watford General Hospital in Vicarage Road.

There is still access to the Vicarage Road entrance of Watford General Hospital, although it is not possible to reach it by travelling all the way along Vicarage Road from the Farraline Road junction

However, buses that use Vicarage Road to stop by the hospital are on diversion – operator Arriva said in a tweet that while the road remains shut, its 10, 20 and 321 services will run via Wiggenhall Road, Thomas Sawyer Way, and Willow Lane, both ways, in order to continue to serve the hospital.

A spokesperson for the county council said: “We are aware of the issues at this location and have spoken to the utility service contractor who is looking at improving signage at this location. We are also carrying out an inspection of the works area and diversion route.

“We would encourage motorists to use the designated route instead of Oxford Street, to ensure less disruption for residents. The works are due to be completed by July 29, ahead of the planned football games at Watford FC.”