MOTORISTS travelling through Bushey Heath can expect delays from Monday, as work starts on the second phase of the Bushey Green Route.

The three-phase initiative was introduced last year as a result of a consultation between local authorities during the South West Hertfordshire's Transport Study.

The study aimed to develop different ways of improving public transport in the region, which would then have a knock-on effect in reducing traffic congestion.

On Monday, sections of Sparrows Herne in Bushey Heath will be closed for a limited period while the carriageway is resurfaced.

Work, carried out by engineering consultants Mouchel TSC on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council and Hertsmere Borough Council, begins in High Road at the junction of Elstree Road to Steeplands in Bushey Heath.

The Bushey Green Route aims to improve road conditions for buses and to offer better road facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Project engineer at County Hall Mr Steve Johnson said: 'The Bushey Green Route is different to the Watford Green Route - which runs through St Albans Road - because, instead of providing a separate green lane for buses, this scheme aims to improve facilities for buses and bus-users.

'I think both schemes have their merits and they will benefit residents differently.

'We are pleased with the progress the Bushey project is making. We were going to start the second phase of work in spring but decided it would be better to wait until the school holidays, as the roads, in theory, should be less congested.'

The first stage of the Bushey Green Route began last May and work on the second phase is estimated to last 15 weeks.

County Hall has said it hopes to see the entire Bushey route completed by early next year, providing funding is secured from central Government.

Each stage is estimated to cost £300,000, and, once finished, the route will run from High Road in Bushey Heath to High Street in Bushey.

Emergency access will be maintained at all times during the second phase of work and there will be signed diversion routes in operation. Mouchel TSC has said it will give advance warnings to all motorists in the area.

Hertfordshire County Council has also developed a Safer Routes to Schools project.

Improved road markings and anti-skid surfaces are being laid in School Lane, Bushey, during the 15-week construction period, benefiting pupils at Ashfield and Merry Hill schools.

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