From eWatford Observer - 8:40am Thursday 9th July 2009

Shops could be bulldozed for new road

By John Harrison »


Shops in St Albans Road could be bulldozed to make way for a new road
linking Watford Junction with the M1 motorway.
On Monday, county councillors will discuss proposals to build a new
link road, connecting Colonial Way with St Albans Road and a newly
renovated station.
They will also consider plans for the compulsory purchase of large
amounts of prime retail space.
Plans to improve road connections with the station were revealed by
the Watford Observer last February.
At present, all traffic between the M1 and Watford Junction either has
to navigate the ring-road or travel along the frequently congested A41
and St Albans Road.
Hertfordshire County Council officers say the new road would offer a
“more direct connection to the motorway system” and “alleviate
existing traffic congestion”.
However, the proposal could see seven separate landowners forced to
sell up to make way for the new road. The affected land is currently
occupied by Homebase, T K Maxx and Staples, among others.
One option under consideration would see the proposed road built as an
extension to Colonial Way, passing over the railway track and through
the Homebase car park.
The second option, however, would see the new road built directly on
top of a unit currently containing T K Maxx.
The road will also connect to a new multi-storey car park and
“interchange” to be built next to Watford Junction.
A county council report read: “Endeavours will be made, wherever
possible, to acquire the land required by negotiation.
“However, all the landowners, including those active within the master
plan will act in their best commercial interest – which may not be
consistent over time, given the current economic climate.
“It is, therefore, recommended that negotiations are supported by the
knowledge that compulsory purchase powers could be used for either
route alignment as an option to fall back on, if necessary.”
The £32.5 million project will be paid for by the Department for
Transport and Network Rail.
Watford Junction, which has been identified as a “key transport
interchange in South West Hertfordshire”, is also set to undergo a
substantial programme of refurbishments.
Plans to improve the platforms, the ticket office and forecourt are
set to be completed by late next year.
County Councillor are expected to vote in favour of a possible
compulsory purchase order. They are, however, expected to ask County
Hall officers to preferably seek to acquire the land through
negotiation.
The matter will be discussed at a meeting inside County Hall on Monday
afternoon.
………………………………..............
……………………….……….............
John Burke
WRUG